SEXTANT: masculinities, sexualities & decolonialities

ABSTRACT

This article utilises Connell’s multiple masculinity theory to explore how 2010s country music has reproduced the ‘bro-country’ masculine archetype, analysing the lyrics of ‘Bait A Hook’ by Justin Moore, ‘Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day’ by Luke Bryan, and ‘Drunk Girl’ by Chris Janson. By analysing these popular country songs, I illustrate how country music presents a traditional form of masculinity that emphasises nostalgia, physical competency, and traditional gender roles for both men and women. The 2010s were a particularly significant era in country music, marking the beginning of the bro-country era and informing the parameters of this article. While women and queer country artists have become increasingly visible in the country landscape, 21st-century country music has largely reproduced bro-country masculinity, highlighting the overwhelming nostalgia country music creates for traditional hegemonic masculinity, and the role this genre plays in perpetuating associated gender norms.

KEY WOrDS

masculinity, country, music, nostalgia, hegemonic masculinity

Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.