| Abstract [eng] |
The aim of this thesis is to analyse the concept of masculinity in Lithuanian contemporary fiction for young adults. As empirical basis, six books, published in 2015 and 2016 („Alma littera“ young adult literature contest winners), written by women, are taken for the survey. All novels in this work are being analysed from gender perspective, concentrating on masculinity issues, treating it as social performance. In the first part adult male characters are analysed. Second part is about juvenile males and their interaction with adults and themselves. As analysis shows, new masculinity type (which exists as synthesis of physical endurance, rationality, power and emotionality, sensibility) is dominating in books, written by Lithuanian women, though characters that represent it are often shown as different. To merge into traditional society they have to accept norms of hegemonic masculinity and participate in the performance in order to seek social status, acceptance, and recognition as males, otherwise there is a threat to be rejected and become an outsider. At this point the autority of male adults is playing highly important part, especially father and son connection, which has positive effect on social integration of young males, formation of their personalities and psychological health. |
