Masculinities: Football, Polo and the Tango in Argentina (Global Issues Series)

The complex relationship between nationalism and masculinity has been explored both historically and sociologically with one consistent conclusion: male concepts of courage and virility are at the core of nationalism. In this ground-breaking book, the author questions this assumption and advances the debate through an empirical analysis of masculinity in the revealing contexts of same-sex (football and polo) and cross-sex (tango) relations. Because of its rich history, Argentina provides the ideal setting in which to study the intersection of masculine and national constructs: hybridization, creolization and a culture of performance have all informed both gender and national identities. Further, the author argues that, counter to claims made by globalization theorists, the importance of performance to Argentinian men and women has a long history and has powerfully shaped the national psyche. But this book takes the analysis far beyond national boundaries to address general arguments in anthropology which are not culture-specific, and the discussion poses important comparative questions and addresses central theoretical issues, from the interplay of morality and ritual, to a comparison between the popular and the aristocratic, to the importance of 'othering' in national constructions - particularly those relating to sport. This book represents a major contribution, not only to anthropology, but to the study of gender, nationalism and culture in its broadest sense. The complex relationship between nationalism and masculinity has been explored both historically and sociologically with one consistent conclusion: maie concepts of courage and virility are at the core of nationalism. In this ground-breaking book, the author questions this assumption and advances the debate through an empirical analysis of masculinity in the revealing contexts of same-sex (football and polo) and cross-sex (tango) relations. Because of its rich history, Argentina provides the ideal setting in which to study the intersection of masculine and national constructs: hybridization, creolization and a culture of performance have all informed both gender and national identities. Further, the author argues that, counter to claims made by globalization theorists, the importance of performance to Argentinian men and women has a long history and has powerfully shaped the national psyche. But this book takes the analysis far beyond national boundaries to address general arguments in anthropology which are not culture-specific, and the discussion poses important comparative questions and addresses central theoretical issues, from the interplay of morality and ritual, to a comparison between the popular and the aristocratic, to the importance of 'othering' in national constructions - particularly those relating to sport. This book represents a major contribution, not only to anthropology, but to the study of gender, nationalism and culture in its broadest sense. Cover 1 Half Title 2 Title Page 4 Copyright Page 5 Dedication 6 Contents 8 Acknowledgements 10 Prologue 12 Introduction: Frameworks and Perspectives 20 PART I Hybridization 40 CHAPTER ONE Situating Hybridity and Hybrids 42 CHAPTER TWO Male Hybrids in the World of Football 65 CHAPTER THREE Hybridization and Male Hybrids in the World of Polo 96 PART II Masculine Moralities 130 CHAPTER FOUR Locating Masculinities and Moralities 132 CHAPTER FIVE Masculinities and Morality in the Poetics of the Argentinian Tango 147 CHAPTER SIX Masculine National Virtues and Moralities in Football 180 CHAPTER SEVEN The Masculine Imagery of Freedom: the World of Pibes and Maradona 199 Epilogue 209 Bibliography 213 Index 227 The Complex Relationship Between Nationalism And Masculinity Has Been Explored Both Historically And Sociologically With One Consistent Conclusion: Male Concepts Of Courage And Virility Are At The Core Of Nationalism. In This Book, The Author Questions This Assumption And Advances The Debate Through An Empirical Analysis Of Masculinity In The Revealing Contexts Of Same-sex (football And Polo) And Cross-sex (tango) Relations. Because Of Its Rich History, Argentina Provides The Ideal Setting In Which To Study The Intersection Of Masculine And National Constructs: Hybridization, Creolization And A Culture Of Performance Have All Informed Both Gender And National Identities.--book Jacket. But This Book Takes The Analysis Far Beyond National Boundaries To Address General Arguments In Anthropology Which Are Not Culture-specific, And The Discussion Poses Important Comparative Questions And Addresses Central Theoretical Issues, From The Interplay Of Morality And Ritual, To A Comparison Between The Popular And The Anstocratic, To The Importance Of 'othering' In National Constructions - Particularly Those Relating To Sport.--book Jacket. Introduction: Frameworks And Perspectives -- Hybridization -- Situating Hybridity And Hybrids -- Male Hybrids In The World Of Football -- Hybridization And Male Hybrids In The World Of Polo -- Masculine Moralities -- Locating Masculinities And Moralities -- Masculinities And Morality In The Poetics Of The Argentinian Tango -- Masculine National Virtues And Moralities In Football -- The Masculine Imagery Of Freedom: The World Of Pibes And Maradona. Eduardo P. Archetti. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 194-207) And Index.