Abstract
M.A.
The objective of this thesis is to examine emerging themes around masculinity from
within an eclectic psychoanalytic framework. In order to achieve the objective, the historical development of psychoanalytic theories on the male gender role are briefly examined. Thereafter, the thesis examines the eclectic psychoanalytic theories of masculinity proposed by Chodorow (1989, 1995) and Hudson and Jacot (1991).
An investigation into the emerging themes around masculinity generated by the theories
of Chodorow (1989, 1995) and Hudson and Jacot (1991) is then undertaken.
The conclusion is that the theories of Chodorow (1989, 1995) and Hudson and Jacot
(1991) share an eclectic psychoanalytic approach. The most important common themes in the development of masculinity, are identified as being the relevance of the pre-Oedipal years; the link between the development of the self and the formation of gender identity; and the relationship between psychoanalysis and social theory in the development of masculinity. The role of the mother is also explored in terms of her contribution to the development of masculinity and the maintenance of a gender bias.