Exploring representations of masculinity in queer and cisheterosexual Mexican college students

Abstract

The objective of the study is to identify the conceptions and practices of masculinity among queer and cisheterosexual Mexican university men in order to provide an indication of the contemporary landscape of masculinities. To this end, we compare the way in these groups of men conceptualize and practice masculinity. It is a mixed study, which takes as its starting point the literature on gender studies and masculinity, employs a semi-structured interview and survey with voluntary participants convened through digital social networks. It is asserted that there are differences in the conception and practices of masculinity between queer and cisheterosexual Mexican university men in relation to the aforementioned variables. The idea of the importance of the study of multiple masculinities is highlighted, as well as the need to work on the emotional aspect of university men from the psychology departments of higher education centers, and also to create support and coexistence groups with a focus on the discussion that a healthy masculinity is essential for life.