Online gaming and masculinity among young adults

Abstract

Online gaming has transcended its status as a recreational activity to become a pervasive cultural force in recent decades, attracting the attention of scholars who have meticulously examined its qualitative and quantitative dimensions. Their research has uncovered a tapestry of emerging patterns in the intersection of online gaming and social constructs, including gender, race, and class. Among these constructs, masculinity occupies a complex and dynamic relationship with online gaming, yielding a rich array of interpretations and expressions. While a significant body of qualitative research on this topic has focused on Western gaming contexts, leaving a gap in the literature for other regions and cultures, this study endeavors to bridge this void. Additionally, we seek to delve into the intricate connections between in-game and real-world gamer behavior, examining how they reflect, challenge, or reinforce the norms and expectations of masculinity in their respective spheres. This study promises to provide profound insights into the dynamics of masculinity in online gaming cultures across diverse geographical and cultural landscapes. It will illuminate the interconnections between virtual and real-world behaviors, shedding light on the ways in which gamers navigate and embody gender norms in both spheres. By establishing these parallels, we aim to expand the understanding of masculinity in the contemporary digital age, capturing its nuanced expressions and its complex interplay with online gaming spaces.