Exploring the gender paradox of chinese male beauty influencers and masculinity

Abstract

Treball de fi de màster Estudis Internacionals sobre Mitjans, Poder i Diversitat

Supervisor: Pilar Medina-Bravo

This theoretical dissertation analyzes the paradoxical and multidimensional position of Chinese male beauty influencers in the challenging of traditional masculinity. Against the background of converging forces of national ideology, traditional culture, cyberspace, market and capital, the study explores how such influencers both challenge and perpetuate masculine norms in the highly regulated Chinese media environments. Through theoretical analysis, the research finds that while male beauty influencers use makeup, language and aesthetics to perform masculinity outside its boundaries, their performances tend to be shaped by consumerist forces and political constraints.