Rethinking Hegemonic Masculinity and Patriarchal Privilege Within Heterosexual Interpersonal Relationships

Masculinity in the context of the majority of patriarchal societies within Africa is based on the hegemonic social position of men relative to that of women. Feminist studies on heterosexuality reveal that heterosexual interpersonal communication is often dominated by hegemonic masculinity in that it involves practices which promote patriarchal power and control, diminishing the interests of women and reinforcing women's oppression (Hearn, 2004). Based on a qualitative research study conducted in 2015 on HIV communication and gender equality among heterosexual (university) students' and their partners, we argue that in the context of HIV /AIDS communication between heterosexual partners, hegemonic masculinity perpetuates patriarchal privilege. The implications of this leave women vulnerable to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Given that the highest rate of HIV infection is attributed to heterosexual contact (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013), this paper focuses on heterosexual partners. However, we also argue that hegemonic masculinity does not only reinforce sexism (Connell, 2005) but is also usedconsciously or unconsciouslyas a tactic to perpetuate patriarchal stereotypes of -and even violence against -those gender and sexual identities considered inferior to those ascribed gender roles deemed normal and cultural in patriarchal societies.