The Gender of Trumpism: Masculinity, Politics and the American Presidency

The rise of Trumpism exemplifies a contest over masculinity, over who qualifies as a “real man.” This contest is being waged not only by some obvious actors – President Trump, his supporters and representatives; it is a contest also waged by those who oppose the current administration and are perhaps actively working against the perpetuation of gender inequality. The themes deployed by Trumpists and anti-Trumpists alike address a core component of masculinity in the global west – dominance. This talk explores the way in which multiple vectors of inequality – race, nation, class, sexuality and gender - converge in this masculinized competition with global ramifications.