Masculinities in Rede Globo’s prime time telenovelas: an approach to a new spectrum of masculinities in light of Queer Theory

Abstract

In which ways does the Brazilian telenovela construct representations of masculinity? Is there a prevalence of a hegemonic ideal or does it work in favor of diversity? In which ways does the deconstruction of machismo make itself present in the telenovela? This paper presents an ongoing mapping of telenovela characters from Rede Globo’s prime time that deal with different experiences and representations of masculinity. The goal is to discuss questions of gender, using queer theory as a theoretical framework, trying to understand how the telenovela proposes the deconstruction of chauvinism and presents a broader spectrum of masculinity that includes a diversity of experiences of Brazilian individuals. We present a number of characters that identify themselves as males however do not identify themselves with the hegemonic model. Other characters see themselves outside the masculine-feminine logic, and others go beyond the binary logic, taking on a female gender identity.