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HEGEMONIK ERKEKLİĞİN İNŞASI: FİTNESS VE OYUNLARIN KESİŞİMİ

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 1, 222 - 248, 31.05.2025
https://doi.org/10.30561/sinopusd.1624914

Abstract

Öz
Bu araştırma, hegemonik erkekliğin inşası çerçevesinde fitness ve oyun alanlarına ilişkin tüketim pratiklerinin kesişimine odaklanmaktadır. Nitel araştırma paradigması içerisinde, her iki alanda da aktif olarak yer alan yedi erkek katılımcı ile yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Altı aşamalı tematik analizin sonuçları altı farklı tema ortaya koymuştur: üstünlük ve rekabetçilik, güç ve performans, başarılar ve kazançlar. Bu alanlardaki tüketim, normatif ve yüceltilmiş eril değerleri güçlendirmektedir. Katılımcılar, Baudrillard'ın eril tüketim modeline uygun olarak nesnel ve rasyonelleştirilmiş tüketim pratiklerini vurgulamışlardır. Bulgular, fitness ve oyunların hegemonik erkekliğin tüketim kalıpları aracılığıyla sürdürüldüğü platformlar olarak algılandığını göstermektedir. Çalışma, tüketimin cinsiyete dayalı boyutlarını vurgulayarak rasyonel tüketici davranışı varsayımlarına meydan okumaktadır. Ayrıca alternatif, kapsayıcı erkeklik anlayışlarını teşvik etmek için geleneksel toplumsal cinsiyet normlarının yapısöküme uğratılmasının öneminin altını çizmektedir. İleride yapılacak araştırmalar, kadın katılımcılar kapsayacak farklı perspektifleri içermelidir.

References

  • Andreasson, J., & Johansson, T. (2013). The health guru: Masculinity and fitness coaching in the blogosphere. The Journal of Men’s Studies, 21(3), 277–290. doi:10.3149/jms.2103.277
  • Aydın, D., & Atalay, S. (2021). Hegemonik erkekliğin inşasi: İzmir’de ‘daha’ erkeklik. Moment Dergi, 8(1), 47-65. https://doi.org/10.17572/mj2021.1.4765
  • Baudrillard, J. (1997). Tüketim Toplumu, Çev. Hazal Deliceçaylı, Ferda Keskin. İstanbul: Ayrıntı Yayınları.
  • Berman, A. (1988). Structuralism I: Theory and Method. Essay. In From the New Criticism to Deconstruction: The Reception of Structuralism and Post-Structuralism (pp. 114–144). Urbana: University of Illinois Press.
  • Blanco-Herrera, J. A., Gentile, D. A., & Rokkum, J. N. (2019). Video games can increase creativity, but with caveats. Creativity Research Journal, 31(2), 119–131. doi:10.1080/10400419.2019.1594524
  • Butler, E. (2009). Performativity, precarity, and sexual policies. AIBR, Revista de Antropologia Iberoamericana, 04(03). doi:10.11156/aibr.040303e
  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. doi:10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
  • Buchbinder, D. (2012). Studying Men and Masculinities. London, England: Routledge.
  • Byrne, A., & Milestone, K. (2022). ‘He wouldn’t be seen using it…’ men’s use of male grooming products as a form of invisible consumption. Journal of Consumer Culture, 23(1), 146–167.
  • Carrigan, T., Connell, B., & Lee, J. (1985). Toward a new sociology of masculinity. Theory and Society, 14(5), 551–604. http://www.jstor.org/stable/657315
  • Connell, R. W. (2005). Masculinities (2nd ed). University of California Press.
  • Connell, R. W. (1983). Which way is up? Essays on sex, class, and culture. Routledge.
  • Corrigan, P. (1997). The Sociology of Consumption: An Introduction. London: SAGE Publications.
  • Dağtaş, B. (2003). Reklamı okumak., Ütopya
  • Eichenbaum, A., Bavelier, D., & Green, C. S. (2014). Video games: Play that can do serious good. American Journal of Play, (7), 50–72.
  • Erdoğan, İ. (2013). Erkek dergilerinde (men’s health-fhm-esquire-gq türkiye örneğinde) ideal(leştirilen) erkek(lik) imajının içerik çözümlemesi. Akdeniz Üniversitesi İletişim Fakültesi Dergisi (20), 140-164.
  • Figueroa, E. J. (2024). Esports events & hegemonic masculinity: Reflections on participant-observation at evolution championship series 2019. Emotion, Space and Society, 53(101048), 101048. doi: 10.1016/j.emospa.2024.101048
  • Garcia-Portela, A., & Lopez-Figueroa, J. (2024). Gaming industry: Hardships, stereotypes & factors that can enhance female presence and security. Journal of Student Research, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v13i2.6685
  • Hacısoftaoğlu, İ., & Elmas, S. (2015). ‘Kasların efendisi’: Men’s health dergisinde fitness söylemi. Fe Dergi, 7, 20–34.
  • Kacen, J. J. (2000). Girrrl power and boyyy nature: the past, present, and paradisal future of consumer gender identity. Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 18(6/7), 345–355. doi:10.1108/02634500010348932
  • Kallio, H., Pietilä, A. M., Johnson, M., & Kangasniemi, M. (2016). Systematic methodological review: developing a framework for a qualitative semi-structured interview guide. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72(12), 2954–2965. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13031
  • Kızılırmak Ata, I., & D. Topçu, A. (2021). Yeni mecrada hegemonik söylem: Erkeklik krizinin instagram’da tezahürü. Galatasaray Üniversitesi İletişim Dergisi(35), 56-82. https://doi.org/10.16878/gsuilet.956922
  • Kotzé, J., & Antonopoulos, G. A. (2021). Boosting bodily capital: Maintaining masculinity, aesthetic pleasure and instrumental utility through the consumption of steroids. Journal of Consumer Culture, 21(3), 683–700. doi:10.1177/1469540519846196
  • Köten, E., & Akdemir, H. E. (2021). Rap müzikte toplumsal cinsiyet temsilleri: toplumsal cinsiyet klişeleri, hegemonik erkeklik ve cinsiyetçilik. Lectio Socialis, 5(1), 43-59. https://doi.org/10.47478/lectio.839758
  • Kramer, A. F., & Colcombe, S. (2018). Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults: A meta-analytic study-revisited. Perspectives on Psychological Science: A Journal of the Association for Psychological Science, 13(2), 213–217. doi:10.1177/1745691617707316
  • Moss, G. (1999). Gender and consumer behavior: Further explorations. Journal of Brand Management, 7(2), 88–100. doi:10.1057/bm.1999.43
  • Nas, A. (2017). Erkekler de ağlar, ama… axe reklamindaki hegemonik erkeklik eleştirisinin yorumlanma biçimleri. Erciyes İletişim Dergisi, 5(2), 62-80. https://doi.org/10.17680/erciyesakademia.312263
  • Özdoyran, G. (2020). Judith butler ya da lacancı psikanaliz: Medya etkileri ve toplumsal cinsiyet tartışmaları’. Selçuk İletişim Dergisi, 13(2), 1025–1054.
  • Öztürk, G. (2020). Reklamda Kullanilan erkekli̇k mitleri ve erkek tüketi̇ci̇ni̇n yeni̇den üreti̇mi̇. İstanbul Ticaret Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, (39), 1107–1126.
  • Sassatelli, R. (2000). The commercialization of discipline: Keep-fit culture and its values. Journal of Modern Italian Studies, 5(3), 396–411. https://doi.org/10.1080/1354571X.2000.9728261
  • Sepetci, T., & Sağlam, M. (2022). Dijital oyunlar ve hegemonik erkeklik: red dead redemption ii oyununa yönelik bir inceleme. Gümüşhane Üniversitesi İletişim Fakültesi Elektronik Dergisi, 10(1), 176-208. https://doi.org/10.19145/e-gifder.1009995
  • Smith, J. J., Eather, N., Morgan, P. J., Plotnikoff, R. C., Faigenbaum, A. D., & Lubans, D. R. (2014). The health benefits of muscular fitness for children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 44(9), 1209–1223. doi:10.1007/s40279-014-0196-4
  • Subaşi, B., & Okray, Z. (2021). Construction of masculinity through bodybuilding a qualitative study. Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi. doi:10.35379/cusosbil.773123
  • Spence, I., & Feng, J. (2010). Video games and spatial cognition. Review of General Psychology: Journal of Division 1, of the American Psychological Association, 14(2), 92–104. doi:10.1037/a0019491
  • Thelwall, M. (2021). Word association thematic analysis: A social media text exploration strategy. Synthesis Lectures on Information Concepts Retrieval and Services, 13(1), i–111. doi:10.2200/s01071ed1v01y202012icr072
  • Vendramin, B., Bergamin, M., Gobbo, S., Cugusi, L., Duregon, F., Bullo, V., … Ermolao, A. (2016). Health benefits of zumba fitness training: A systematic review. PM & R: The Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation, 8(12), 1181–1200. doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2016.06.010
  • Voorhees, G., & Orlando, A. (2018). Performing neoliberal masculinity: Reconfiguring hegemonic masculinity in professional gaming. In Masculinities in Play (pp. 211–227). doi:10.1007/978-3-319-90581-5_12
  • Warburton, D. E. R., Nicol, C. W., & Bredin, S. S. D. (2006). Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. Journal de l’Association Medicale Canadienne [Canadian Medical Association Journal], 174(6), 801–809. doi:10.1503/cmaj.051351
  • Wiest, A. L., Andrews, D. L., & Giardina, M. D. (2015). Training the body for healthism: Reifying vitality in and through the clinical gaze of the neoliberal fitness club. Review of Education, Pedagogy, and Cultural Studies, 37(1), 21–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/10714413.2015.988505
  • Woods, O. (2022). Forging a more masculine self online: demonstrating skill and sovereignty in the playing of first-person shooter games. Feminist Media Studies, 23(6), 2867–2882. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680777.2022.2095579
  • Woodward, I. (2007). Understanding Material Culture. SAGE Publications Ltd. Ye, L., Bose, M., & Pelton, L. E. (2017). How gender identity affects consumer behavior: overview and historical analysis. Journal of Business Diversity, 17(4). https://doi.org/10.33423/jbd.v17i4.1238
  • Zhang, F., & Kaufman, D. (2015). Physical and cognitive impacts of digital games on older adults: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Applied Gerontology: The Official Journal of the Southern Gerontological Society, 35(11), 1189–1210. doi:10.1177/0733464814566678

Constructing Hegemonic Masculinity: An Intersection Of Fitness And Games

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 1, 222 - 248, 31.05.2025
https://doi.org/10.30561/sinopusd.1624914

Abstract

This research focuses on the intersection of consumption practices related to fitness and games within the construction of hegemonic masculinity. Within qualitative research paradigm, semi-structured interviews are conducted with seven male participants who are actively involved in both domains. Results of six-step thematic analysis showed six distinct themes: superiority and competitiveness, power and performance, accomplishments, and gains. Consumption within these fields reinforces normative and glorified masculine values. Participants emphasized objective and rationalized consumption practices which align with Baudrillard’s masculine consumption model. The findings suggest that fitness and gaming are perceived as platforms in which hegemonic masculinity is sustained through consumption patterns. The study highlights the gendered dimensions of consumption, challenging assumptions of rational consumer behavior. It also underscores the importance of deconstructing traditional gender norms to foster alternative, inclusive understandings of masculinity. Future research should include different perspectives to include female participants.

References

  • Andreasson, J., & Johansson, T. (2013). The health guru: Masculinity and fitness coaching in the blogosphere. The Journal of Men’s Studies, 21(3), 277–290. doi:10.3149/jms.2103.277
  • Aydın, D., & Atalay, S. (2021). Hegemonik erkekliğin inşasi: İzmir’de ‘daha’ erkeklik. Moment Dergi, 8(1), 47-65. https://doi.org/10.17572/mj2021.1.4765
  • Baudrillard, J. (1997). Tüketim Toplumu, Çev. Hazal Deliceçaylı, Ferda Keskin. İstanbul: Ayrıntı Yayınları.
  • Berman, A. (1988). Structuralism I: Theory and Method. Essay. In From the New Criticism to Deconstruction: The Reception of Structuralism and Post-Structuralism (pp. 114–144). Urbana: University of Illinois Press.
  • Blanco-Herrera, J. A., Gentile, D. A., & Rokkum, J. N. (2019). Video games can increase creativity, but with caveats. Creativity Research Journal, 31(2), 119–131. doi:10.1080/10400419.2019.1594524
  • Butler, E. (2009). Performativity, precarity, and sexual policies. AIBR, Revista de Antropologia Iberoamericana, 04(03). doi:10.11156/aibr.040303e
  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. doi:10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
  • Buchbinder, D. (2012). Studying Men and Masculinities. London, England: Routledge.
  • Byrne, A., & Milestone, K. (2022). ‘He wouldn’t be seen using it…’ men’s use of male grooming products as a form of invisible consumption. Journal of Consumer Culture, 23(1), 146–167.
  • Carrigan, T., Connell, B., & Lee, J. (1985). Toward a new sociology of masculinity. Theory and Society, 14(5), 551–604. http://www.jstor.org/stable/657315
  • Connell, R. W. (2005). Masculinities (2nd ed). University of California Press.
  • Connell, R. W. (1983). Which way is up? Essays on sex, class, and culture. Routledge.
  • Corrigan, P. (1997). The Sociology of Consumption: An Introduction. London: SAGE Publications.
  • Dağtaş, B. (2003). Reklamı okumak., Ütopya
  • Eichenbaum, A., Bavelier, D., & Green, C. S. (2014). Video games: Play that can do serious good. American Journal of Play, (7), 50–72.
  • Erdoğan, İ. (2013). Erkek dergilerinde (men’s health-fhm-esquire-gq türkiye örneğinde) ideal(leştirilen) erkek(lik) imajının içerik çözümlemesi. Akdeniz Üniversitesi İletişim Fakültesi Dergisi (20), 140-164.
  • Figueroa, E. J. (2024). Esports events & hegemonic masculinity: Reflections on participant-observation at evolution championship series 2019. Emotion, Space and Society, 53(101048), 101048. doi: 10.1016/j.emospa.2024.101048
  • Garcia-Portela, A., & Lopez-Figueroa, J. (2024). Gaming industry: Hardships, stereotypes & factors that can enhance female presence and security. Journal of Student Research, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v13i2.6685
  • Hacısoftaoğlu, İ., & Elmas, S. (2015). ‘Kasların efendisi’: Men’s health dergisinde fitness söylemi. Fe Dergi, 7, 20–34.
  • Kacen, J. J. (2000). Girrrl power and boyyy nature: the past, present, and paradisal future of consumer gender identity. Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 18(6/7), 345–355. doi:10.1108/02634500010348932
  • Kallio, H., Pietilä, A. M., Johnson, M., & Kangasniemi, M. (2016). Systematic methodological review: developing a framework for a qualitative semi-structured interview guide. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72(12), 2954–2965. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13031
  • Kızılırmak Ata, I., & D. Topçu, A. (2021). Yeni mecrada hegemonik söylem: Erkeklik krizinin instagram’da tezahürü. Galatasaray Üniversitesi İletişim Dergisi(35), 56-82. https://doi.org/10.16878/gsuilet.956922
  • Kotzé, J., & Antonopoulos, G. A. (2021). Boosting bodily capital: Maintaining masculinity, aesthetic pleasure and instrumental utility through the consumption of steroids. Journal of Consumer Culture, 21(3), 683–700. doi:10.1177/1469540519846196
  • Köten, E., & Akdemir, H. E. (2021). Rap müzikte toplumsal cinsiyet temsilleri: toplumsal cinsiyet klişeleri, hegemonik erkeklik ve cinsiyetçilik. Lectio Socialis, 5(1), 43-59. https://doi.org/10.47478/lectio.839758
  • Kramer, A. F., & Colcombe, S. (2018). Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults: A meta-analytic study-revisited. Perspectives on Psychological Science: A Journal of the Association for Psychological Science, 13(2), 213–217. doi:10.1177/1745691617707316
  • Moss, G. (1999). Gender and consumer behavior: Further explorations. Journal of Brand Management, 7(2), 88–100. doi:10.1057/bm.1999.43
  • Nas, A. (2017). Erkekler de ağlar, ama… axe reklamindaki hegemonik erkeklik eleştirisinin yorumlanma biçimleri. Erciyes İletişim Dergisi, 5(2), 62-80. https://doi.org/10.17680/erciyesakademia.312263
  • Özdoyran, G. (2020). Judith butler ya da lacancı psikanaliz: Medya etkileri ve toplumsal cinsiyet tartışmaları’. Selçuk İletişim Dergisi, 13(2), 1025–1054.
  • Öztürk, G. (2020). Reklamda Kullanilan erkekli̇k mitleri ve erkek tüketi̇ci̇ni̇n yeni̇den üreti̇mi̇. İstanbul Ticaret Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, (39), 1107–1126.
  • Sassatelli, R. (2000). The commercialization of discipline: Keep-fit culture and its values. Journal of Modern Italian Studies, 5(3), 396–411. https://doi.org/10.1080/1354571X.2000.9728261
  • Sepetci, T., & Sağlam, M. (2022). Dijital oyunlar ve hegemonik erkeklik: red dead redemption ii oyununa yönelik bir inceleme. Gümüşhane Üniversitesi İletişim Fakültesi Elektronik Dergisi, 10(1), 176-208. https://doi.org/10.19145/e-gifder.1009995
  • Smith, J. J., Eather, N., Morgan, P. J., Plotnikoff, R. C., Faigenbaum, A. D., & Lubans, D. R. (2014). The health benefits of muscular fitness for children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 44(9), 1209–1223. doi:10.1007/s40279-014-0196-4
  • Subaşi, B., & Okray, Z. (2021). Construction of masculinity through bodybuilding a qualitative study. Çukurova Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi. doi:10.35379/cusosbil.773123
  • Spence, I., & Feng, J. (2010). Video games and spatial cognition. Review of General Psychology: Journal of Division 1, of the American Psychological Association, 14(2), 92–104. doi:10.1037/a0019491
  • Thelwall, M. (2021). Word association thematic analysis: A social media text exploration strategy. Synthesis Lectures on Information Concepts Retrieval and Services, 13(1), i–111. doi:10.2200/s01071ed1v01y202012icr072
  • Vendramin, B., Bergamin, M., Gobbo, S., Cugusi, L., Duregon, F., Bullo, V., … Ermolao, A. (2016). Health benefits of zumba fitness training: A systematic review. PM & R: The Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation, 8(12), 1181–1200. doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2016.06.010
  • Voorhees, G., & Orlando, A. (2018). Performing neoliberal masculinity: Reconfiguring hegemonic masculinity in professional gaming. In Masculinities in Play (pp. 211–227). doi:10.1007/978-3-319-90581-5_12
  • Warburton, D. E. R., Nicol, C. W., & Bredin, S. S. D. (2006). Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. Journal de l’Association Medicale Canadienne [Canadian Medical Association Journal], 174(6), 801–809. doi:10.1503/cmaj.051351
  • Wiest, A. L., Andrews, D. L., & Giardina, M. D. (2015). Training the body for healthism: Reifying vitality in and through the clinical gaze of the neoliberal fitness club. Review of Education, Pedagogy, and Cultural Studies, 37(1), 21–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/10714413.2015.988505
  • Woods, O. (2022). Forging a more masculine self online: demonstrating skill and sovereignty in the playing of first-person shooter games. Feminist Media Studies, 23(6), 2867–2882. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680777.2022.2095579
  • Woodward, I. (2007). Understanding Material Culture. SAGE Publications Ltd. Ye, L., Bose, M., & Pelton, L. E. (2017). How gender identity affects consumer behavior: overview and historical analysis. Journal of Business Diversity, 17(4). https://doi.org/10.33423/jbd.v17i4.1238
  • Zhang, F., & Kaufman, D. (2015). Physical and cognitive impacts of digital games on older adults: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Applied Gerontology: The Official Journal of the Southern Gerontological Society, 35(11), 1189–1210. doi:10.1177/0733464814566678
There are 42 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Sociology of Gender, Game Sociology, Sociology of Sports
Journal Section Araştırma Makaleleri
Authors

Erhan Ağaoğlu 0000-0003-0874-7857

Publication Date May 31, 2025
Submission Date January 22, 2025
Acceptance Date March 22, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 9 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Ağaoğlu, E. (2025). Constructing Hegemonic Masculinity: An Intersection Of Fitness And Games. Sinop Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 9(1), 222-248. https://doi.org/10.30561/sinopusd.1624914