CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2018
| Author | Oryn, Dariya |
|---|---|
| Title | Between Kazakh Batyrs and feminization of masculinity: Korean Wave as a means of transformation |
| Summary | Over the past four years, contemporary Kazakhstani popular culture scene has seen the emergence of alternative constructions of masculinity represented by the members of Q-pop boy groups and male fans of Korean popular culture. In this paper, I explore the importance of this emerging trend of feminization of masculinity, or embracing of the soft masculinity, by observing and analyzing audience reception and the appearances of those young men who have chosen to represent themselves in these unconventional ways. The research links significant concepts like masculinity, gendered representation of the self, and the cultural identity. Rather than discussing ‘softening’ as a sign of cultural identity loss and total rejection of hegemonic masculinity, I argue that these young male performers and fans distance themselves from culturally defined masculinity constructions simply to explore alternative gender identities. The intention to explore alternative masculinity implies a fear on the part of conservative and traditionalist society over the gender boundary-crossing practice, which threatens the stability of culturally defined gender hegemony and has an influence on sense of Kazakhness. |
| Supervisor | Monterescu, Daniel; Szemere, Anna |
| Department | Sociology MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2018/oryn_dariya.pdf |
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