Raewyn Connell is an Australian sociologist and Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of Sydney. She is known for her work on gender, power, and pedagogy.
Gender
Connell is one of the most influential scholars in the field of gender studies. She is best known for her concept of “hegemonic masculinity,” which describes the dominant form of masculinity that is associated with power, privilege, and the subordination of women.
Connell argues that hegemonic masculinity is not a static category, but rather a fluid and dynamic set of practices that are constantly being renegotiated and contested. She also argues that masculinity is not simply a male attribute, but rather a social construct that can be embodied by men, women, and non-binary people.
Power
Connell is also a leading scholar in the field of power studies. She has developed a Gramscian-inspired framework for understanding how power operates in society, focusing on the ways in which power is both productive and repressive.
Connell argues that power is not simply about domination and control, but also about the production of knowledge, identities, and social structures. She also argues that power is relational, and that it is always exercised in the context of social relations and structures.
Connell argues that hegemonic masculinity is not simply about individual men, but is also a social and cultural construct that is embedded in society’s institutions, beliefs, and practices. She argues that hegemonic masculinity is harmful to both men and women, and that it should be challenged and dismantled.
Challenges and solutions
Connell’s work has been influential in challenging traditional notions of masculinity and in promoting gender equality. However, her work has also been criticized for its focus on the negative aspects of masculinity. Some critics argue that Connell does not give enough attention to the positive aspects of masculinity, and that her work reinforces stereotypes about men.
Pedagogy
Connell has written extensively on the relationship between pedagogy and power. She argues that education can be a site of both oppression and liberation, and that it is important to critically examine the ways in which power is embedded in pedagogical practices.
Connell advocates for a pedagogy that is critical, reflexive, and emancipatory. She argues that teachers should be aware of their own power and privilege, and that they should strive to create classrooms that are inclusive and equitable.
Overall, Raewyn Connell is a leading figure in contemporary social thought. Her work has had a profound impact on our understanding of gender, power, and pedagogy.