Interpellation of Masculinities: A Study of Select South Asian Literatures

Abstract

This research aims to analyze masculinity and its multifaceted semblance via a conceptual framework of ‘masculine discourse,’ ‘performativity,’ and ‘hegemony.’ It explores, observes, and analyzes the nuances of gender roles and gender identity of South Asian masculinity. Fictional writings of South Asian male novelists have been considered for this study, as they are expected to provide firsthand and unbiased expressions of masculinity. This research strives to address a few queries, such as: What are the discursive practices of masculinity in South Asia? How does South Asian masculinity deviate from the Western concept of masculinities? What is the hierarchical order of South Asian Masculinities? What are the unique attributes of South Asian masculinities? The major objectives of this study are: to understand the nature of masculinity, and its reliance on various psychological, social and cultural factors, to critically examine the prevalence of masculine ideology in South Asian society, to trace the manifestations of shades of hierarchies within male society from the select works, to explore the unique attributes of South Asian masculinities from select South Asian narratives. This study traces the process of social and psychological factors that influence the manifestation of attributes deemed ‘manly.’ The role of discourse in the assertion of power to certain behaviors and people has also been analyzed here. The study analyzes different forms of gender performativity as observed through the select works, along with elements exclusive to South Asian masculinity. The study further discusses the concept of ‘hegemonic’ masculinity and various other kinds of masculinities. A significant difference has been observed in the manner each kind of masculinity is regarded, thereby laying down their hierarchical order. The use of ideology and repression to arrive at interpellation has been observed and recorded through this research. Violence, parental control, masculine stereotypes, and a few more themes concerning ‘masculinity’ have been explored in this study. The thesis enlists major findings and observations made during the study and suggests scope for future research.