Advancing Critical Masculinity Studies: Theories, Methodologies, and Contemporary Topics

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Mart Busche
• Subject Area: Sociological Theory
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 564131545

The research network "Advancing Critical Masculinity Studies" aims to establish a contemporary positioning of critical masculinity studies within social science debates. Against the backdrop of accelerated societal transformations under advanced capitalism, which profoundly and diversely impact gender relations, the network focuses on reflecting and advancing new theoretical and methodological approaches. Additionally, it explores masculinities in key areas of societal relevance. The simultaneous processes of change, persistence, and retraditionalization of gender relations challenge masculinity studies to continuously adapt and refine its analytical tools. The network seeks to systematically integrate the epistemological contributions of international debates into social and cultural masculinity studies in German-speaking contexts, to strengthen its structural foundation, and to highlight its potential for understanding contemporary societal challenges. The network brings together 21 scholars from disciplines such as sociology, social work, education, psychology, cultural anthropology, ethnology, political science, media studies, and history to engage in multidisciplinary yet focused discussions on theoretical, methodological, and societal issues. It also collaborates with 14 distinguished experts, predominantly from international academic contexts. Over the course of three years, six workshops will address key topics such as bodies, sexuality, violence, antifeminism, militarism, migration, labor, technology, and nature. The aim is to further develop theoretical and methodological foundations while critically reflecting on current research trends. The network’s outcomes will be disseminated through an open-access edited volume, special issues in relevant academic journals, and additional publications. In addition, teaching materials in the form of podcasts will be created, and the work will be made publicly visible through academic events and conference panels.

• DFG Programme: Scientific Networks
• Co-Investigator: Dr. Matthias Schneider