'Let’s Say, Should a Man Be Gentle?': Models of Masculinity among Young Evangelical Christians in St. Petersburg

Abstract

This article raises the issue of models of masculinity supported by young evangelical Christians in St. Petersburg. The relevance of the problem is determined, on the one hand, by the context of the alternative religious identity of this Protestant denomination in the post-­Soviet space, and on the other hand by the involvement of young Evangelicals in the global contexts of changing gender norms. As part of their gender identity, young evangelicals may construct images of masculinity that differ from secular hegemonic models. An analysis of the subjective meanings that young evangelicals attach to the understanding of masculinity reveals the question of the ideals of masculinity that are being produced among them. Twenty semi-structured interviews with young evangelical Christians in St Petersburg who belong to the new movements of Pentecostals, Charismatics, and Baptists provided the empirical basis for analysis within a qualitative sociological paradigm. As a result, three models of masculinity were identified that embody the heterogeneity of ideas about masculinity among young evangelicals, namely 'hybrid Christian masculinity,' 'conservative Christian masculinity,' and 'egalitarian Christian masculinity.' The common elements of these models are heteronormativity, the maintenance of the gender binary, and an essentialist understanding of the categories of sex and gender. The distinctive features of these models are expressed in the personal qualities that are valuable and important to their understanding of masculinity, i.e the value of empathy and emotionality, and inclusion in the family sphere and home life. Furthermore, all models of masculinity are produced in close relation to a position of power over femininity. Chosen models of masculinity can be classified as forms of hybrid masculinity, which is characterized by a combination of elements of the gender hierarchy with features that are non-conventional for the hegemonic model of masculinity.