Analysis of the social and cultural construction of masculinity through Raewyn Connell's theory of masculinity

The primary objective of this study is to examine the phenomenon of masculinity from a sociological perspective within the framework of gender theories, in line with Raewyn Connell's "Theory of Masculinities," and to discuss how masculinity is constructed socially, historically, and culturally on a theoretical basis. In this context, masculinity is not considered a fixed reality, but rather a multilayered, hierarchical, and evolving social structure. The research was conducted using qualitative research methods and a literature review. A conceptual and theoretical analysis was conducted based on gender theories, theoretical approaches to masculinity studies, and Connell's theory. The first part of the study examines the historical development of the concept of gender and key theoretical approaches, demonstrating that gender is a cultural construction process that transcends biological foundations. The second part examines the phenomenon of masculinity in its historical, social, and cultural dimensions, discussing how masculinity is defined and the social practices and institutional structures through which it is transmitted. The third part comprehensively analyzes Raewyn Connell's theory of masculinity, examining the functioning of hegemonic, complicit, marginal, and subaltern masculinities within the framework of the theory's core concepts. Analyses based on Connell's theory reveal that masculinity emerges and transforms in different ways, driven by various social determinants such as class position, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, and historical context. It concludes that masculinity is not fixed but rather a social construct that reshapes according to changing conditions.