A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What phenomenon is highlighted when the father is unemployed and the mother is working in the context of masculinity?

1. Hegemonic masculinity

2. Subordinate masculinity

3. Marginalised masculinity

4. Androgyny

The correct answer is: Marginalised masculinity

The phenomenon being highlighted when the father is unemployed and the mother is working within the context of masculinity is marginalised masculinity. This concept refers to the notion of masculinity that is experienced by men who find themselves in a position where their traditional role as breadwinner is undermined, often leading to feelings of inadequacy, displacement, or a challenge to their masculine identity. In a situation where the father is unemployed and the mother is the primary breadwinner, this flips traditional gender roles. As a result, the father may feel marginalized, especially since traditional hegemonic masculinity values attributes such as economic success and authority. The father's unemployment can challenge his perception of self-worth and masculinity, illustrating how economic positions can affect gender identities. The other options relate to different aspects of masculinity; hegemonic masculinity concerns the dominant form of masculinity that subordinates other gender identities, subordinate masculinity typically refers to men who embrace traits that are considered less traditionally masculine, and androgyny encompasses a blending of both masculine and feminine traits. However, in this specific scenario of an unemployed father, marginalised masculinity is the most fitting concept as it directly addresses the implications of unemployment on traditional masculine roles.