Understanding Perceptions of Masculinity through Superhero Iconography: Implications for Art Educators

Abstract

Lives are shaped and identities formed through the consumption of visual imagery. In the United States, superhero comics are part of the visual culture of male gender identification (Cooper, 2006). In this mixed methods study, I examined cultural perceptions of masculine identity by 169 study participants who completed a superhero/masculinity survey, and who drew and discussed superheroes. From a content analysis of participants’ art-work and their reflective writing, issues related to masculine identity, such as male masochism, misogyny, disability, intelligence, and homophobia were key themes in the data analysis. This study shows the omnipresent nature of graphic novels in male identity formation and conformation to a hegemonic perspective or expectation of masculinity. I conclude the study with implications for art educators and provide specific resources and art lesson ideas to critique hegemonic masculinity.