Balancing Refinement and Manliness : A Beauty Formula for Men’s Social and Professional Success

Hird, Derek (2024) Balancing Refinement and Manliness : A Beauty Formula for Men’s Social and Professional Success. Nan Nü: Men, Women and Gender in China, 26 (1). pp. 114-143. ISSN 1387-6805

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Abstract

This article discusses the difficult balancing act between refinement and manliness that male beauty vloggers seek to perform, in the context of shifting ideals of masculinity in China’s modern history. It examines several techniques that male beauty vloggers promote as a non-feminising aesthetics, which enable young men to gain social prestige and professional advancement, without being labelled sissies or damaging their heteronormative masculinity in any way. The vloggers’ strategy resonates with attempts in the male cosmetics industry starting in the Republican era to create new masculine ideals that enhance men’s social, sexual and professional appeal, while enabling them to continue to enjoy the benefits of a conventionally acceptable masculinity. At all times, women’s impact on re-shaping male ideals has been significant. The article highlights the argument from both men and women that refined and manly makeup offers the ordinary Chinese man a productive, quick and affordable way to gaining an edge in a highly competitive world. Hybrid and flexible masculinities and the heterosexual matrix provide the main conceptual frameworks for the study.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Nan Nü: Men, Women and Gender in China
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Research Output Funding/no_not_funded
Subjects:
?? masculinitychinarefinementbeautycosmeticsvloggingno - not fundednohistorygender studiescultural studies ??
ID Code:
217296
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
05 Apr 2024 14:00
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
14 Nov 2024 01:29