Hegemonic Masculinity in Transcultural Society in the Novel in the Kitchen by Monica Ali

Abstract

This study examines the male characters in Monica Ali's ‘In the Kitchen’, exploring their diverse cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds within the framework of a transcultural patriarchal society. It investigates how these characters are perceived and treated, highlighting the emergence of exploitative behaviors rooted in hegemonic gender relations. Multiple masculinities coexist within society, shaping interactions and hierarchies that affect not only women but also men marginalized by dominant male figures. Through the lens of hegemonic masculinity, this study reveals that men in patriarchal structures often face oppression similar to women. The novel demonstrates that patriarchal societies perpetuate harsh treatment not only towards immigrants and refugees but also towards white men like Gabriel, who becomes a victim of male-dominated power dynamics. Employing hegemonic masculinity theory as its theoretical framework and textual analysis as its method, this research underscores that individuals who deviate from societal norms of masculinity encounter significant challenges, regardless of their background. The qualitative analysis uncovers that men in society do not universally wield power, as they often fail to meet the standards imposed by the patriarchal system, ultimately being oppressed and marginalized by a smaller subset of men who do meet those criteria. These dynamics can be encompassed within the framework of hegemonic masculinity, incorporating elements such as capitalism, immigrant exploitation, and the subjugation of both women and men.