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Reflecting on masculinity

Reflecting on masculinity

Imagen de ícono calendario
19 February, 2026
When we talk about masculinity, we generally tend to associate it with strength or with what we were taught to consider masculine, understanding that it should be tough or manly. Of course, we recognize that the construction of masculinity follows a general framework shaped by certain social and cultural factors, which means that we do not speak of a single concept of masculinity, but of masculinities, plural. This process, in some contexts, is not well received, as there is a tendency to believe that only one concept of masculinity prevails.

Where can these types of masculinities be observed? In the gallery (marketplace), on public transportation, in classrooms, on the street, in songs. Some are very similar, but others are very distant. Among all the spaces and communicative moments in which masculinity can be discussed and understood, the sonic context through music and songs draws particular attention, as it allows us to reveal, through sound, landscapes of masculinity. This is because sonic everyday experiences have endured and will continue to accompany human beings through radio stations, personal playlists, parties, or social events, and their environment shapes individualities or collectivities, depending on the case, regardless of socioeconomic status or academic standing. At some point, it also brings us closer to understanding masculinity through song lyrics.

In music, we constantly find stereotypes of masculinity associated with age, gender, and context. Therefore, when reviewing theory on the influence of music on the mind, it is found that music can generate dimensions in: emotions (romantic relationships, breakups, sorrow, sadness), memories (someone who is no longer here, childhood, better times), learning (if we look today, children are taught colors, shapes, and even multiplication through music), and attention (more closely linked to concentration; some people need to listen to music in order to concentrate). I believe we have come to understand this among students of all ages.

Imagen del profesor Álvaro Fernández
Provided Photo.
Reflexionando sobre la masculinidad
Provided Photo.

Reflecting on masculinity, especially in the sonic dimension and specifically in songs, means talking about performers, songwriters, and everyday situations that transcend emotions and inspire song lyrics. Before continuing, I would like you, as you read this brief text, to ask yourselves: Which songs do you consider speak about or are related to masculinity?

In a research exercise carried out a few months ago, I made a list of several songs that speak to us from a perspective of masculinity. That is why I would like you to take part in this reflection by engaging with the following song titles and their years of circulation, so that you can remember them, get to know them, and approach the fabric of their lyrics and messages.

  • Aquel viejo motel — 1989
  • Jardín prohibido — 1990 (Sergio Dalma 2011 – Sandro Giacobbe 2016)
  • Amigos — 1990 (Conjunto Chaney 1997 – 2005)
  • Esa niña — Year: 1990
  • Por qué será — Year: 1991
    • Te compro tu novia — Year: 1993
    • Santo Cachón — Year: 1994
    • Se le moja la canoa — Year: 1995
    • Virgen — Year: 2001
    • Ya me cansé — Year: 2015
    • Maldita traición — Year: 2015
    • Que sufra, que chupe y que llore — Year: 2015
    • Si se fue, se fue — Year: 201
    • A mí me gustan mayores — Year: 2017
    • El aventurero — Year: 2019
    • Tusa — Year: 2019

    Have you listened to these songs? Possibly yes; it all depends on the context. If you have not listened to them, I want to say that this brief text, which leads me to reflect on song lyrics, allows us to clearly understand the way in which songs establish their codes, their references, their languages, and draw on everyday elements to give dimension to masculinity. The reflection is open in order to understand it, clearly, not hegemonic masculinity, but rather the masculinity that is being written and reshaped in society.

Alvaro Fernandez
Provided Photo.
Writing: Álvaro Gerardo Fernández Sánchez. Professor, Department of Social Communication

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