SEXTANT: masculinities, sexualities & decolonialities

ABSTRACT

This article discusses the existing scholarship on masculinities and male sexual victimisation and questions the dominant gender binary in sexual assault literature. It reviews the influence of conventional gender norms on the underrepresentation of male victims and presents the limits of feminist research that primarily defines sexual assault as a ‘women’s issue’. The examination delves into the framework of masculinities, focusing on contemporary notions of inclusive and feminist masculinity. It looks at how men are portrayed as offenders and women as victims, shedding light on long-held preconceptions. The article exposes the issues created by hegemonic masculinity and investigates the lack of research on female-on-male sexual assault. Furthermore, it investigates the relationship between masculinities and consent, highlighting the importance of inclusive research that acknowledges males as possible victims. The conclusion identifies gaps in current research and suggests future study areas to promote an equitable comprehension of sexual assault.

KEY WOrDS

sexual assault; female-on-male SA; masculinities; men

Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.