The notions of masculinity in selected Filipino mainstream films from 1982 to 2002

Abstract

This is a descriptive study of the notions of masculinity in selected Filipino mainstream films from 1982 to 2002. Data was gathered through random selection of 24 Filipino Mainstream films, with 8 films representing every 7 years. At most three characters in each film were studied to arrive at the notions of masculinity in the selected medium. Findings revealed that the notions of masculinity are limited only to the Macho and Typical end of the Masculinity-Femininity Spectrum. As gender analysis was used to analyze the results, the conclusion arrived at stated the narrowness of Filipino male movie themes pointing out to the lack of openness of the Filipino society to alternative behavioral patterns to govern the upbringing of the Filipino man. A critical understanding of the representations of masculinity along the cultural spectrum was suggested to produce a more substantive result in related studies in the future.