Sociology
This paper looks at male chauvinism; where David Grazian documents the nature of gender and sexual pursuits based on activities associated with individual and group male behavior. In drawing on narrative accounts of their behavior and speech, Grazian illustrates how young heterosexual male students use their collective powers to show their masculinity by girl hunting in urban nightlife. The book is designed to reinforce the unspoken, dominant sexual pursuits and behavior of males who look to portray their masculinity in the presence of women. In the story, Lawrence, a twenty-one-year-old white junior, on a visit to a nightclub with his friends, displays his elaborated performance of masculinity by dancing with an unsuspected good-looking girl, and then, introduces her to his friends. Why does Lawrence introduce the girl to his friends? “Lawrence seems to gain almost as much pleasure from his friends’ excitement as from his exploits; as his masculinity validates his success” (Grazian, p.157).
When these young men go out to clubs, they indulge in singing, dancing, joking, sex talk, and dressing up in a manner that attracts girls. In addition to this, before going, they indulge in motivating themselves by playing rap music, talk about competitive jockeying and one-upmanship, and participate in pregaming, where boys drink, dance, and watch movies to motivate themselves before leaving for the night clubs.
The research to understand the social issues of gender, dating, and sexual violence has its implications. While, on the one hand, the research showcases the problems and causes associated with the social issues of gender, dating, and sexual violence that could affect intimate adult relationships, the other is that, it offers means to prevent or curb future problems associated with gender relationships. Research is necessary to enhance one’s understanding of gender disparity and its importance in preventing victimization and perpetration of interpersonal violence.
Reference
Grazian, D, (2007), The Girl Hunt: Urban Nightlife and the Performance of Masculinity as Collective Activity, p.152-159
