Date of Award

Spring 2023

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice; College of Arts & Sciences

First Advisor

Dina Pinsky

Second Advisor

Ana Maria Garcia

Abstract

This thesis aims to analyze and address the prevalence of hegemonic masculinity in the slasher subgenre of horror films. The research consisted of a content analysis of what the internet deemed the ‘best’ ten slasher films of all time. The content analysis was based upon R.W. Connell’s (2005) theory of hegemonic masculinity which stated the existence of hierarchical standards for masculinity that men are expected to achieve. Hegemonic masculinity was categorized into four themes. The themes were sexist ideology, sexual behavior, and physical and emotional violence. The research indicated that emotional violence occurred at the highest rate among the sample of slasher films, at 44.3% of all four themes at 729 total counted instances. The results demonstrate that hegemonic masculinity exists past a principle of pure physical subordination, but instead in a setting where subordination happens in a more subtle fashion through emotional violence.

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“Try getting a reservation at Dorsia now, you fucking stupid bastard!” Hegemonic Masculinity in Slasher Films

This thesis aims to analyze and address the prevalence of hegemonic masculinity in the slasher subgenre of horror films. The research consisted of a content analysis of what the internet deemed the ‘best’ ten slasher films of all time. The content analysis was based upon R.W. Connell’s (2005) theory of hegemonic masculinity which stated the existence of hierarchical standards for masculinity that men are expected to achieve. Hegemonic masculinity was categorized into four themes. The themes were sexist ideology, sexual behavior, and physical and emotional violence. The research indicated that emotional violence occurred at the highest rate among the sample of slasher films, at 44.3% of all four themes at 729 total counted instances. The results demonstrate that hegemonic masculinity exists past a principle of pure physical subordination, but instead in a setting where subordination happens in a more subtle fashion through emotional violence.