Hegemonic Masculinity on the Campus: Performances, Pressures, and the Search for Alternatives

This study examines how masculinity experiences are constructed within the context of a university campus from the perspective of gender norms and hegemonic masculinity. The research reveals that male students’ perceptions of masculinity are shaped by performance pressure, emotional suppression, and societal norms. All data obtained through the survey were analyzed thematically using a qualitative content analysis method, in a manner that uncovers underlying structures. The thematic analysis conducted with MAXQDA identified not only the normative attributes ascribed to masculinity but also the constant need for men to prove themselves and the psychosocial pressures generated by this process. Furthermore, it was observed that some participants gravitated toward alternative forms of masculinity, thereby questioning gender norms and seeking transformation. The study emphasizes that masculinity is both an oppressive and transformative experience.