In a workplace setting, a manager promotes a culture that rewards aggressive competition among male employees while disregarding collaborative efforts that involve emotional intelligence, which is often associated with femininity. How does this scenario illustrate the concept of hegemonic masculinity?

This scenario shows hegemonic masculinity by emphasizing traits that are traditionally seen as "masculine," such as aggression and competition, while ignoring qualities that are often labeled as "feminine," like collaboration and emotional intelligence. By rewarding aggressive behavior, the manager reinforces the idea that being tough and competitive is the best way to succeed. This creates an environment where male employees feel pressured to act in ways that align with these masculine ideals, often at the expense of teamwork and empathy. For example, if two male employees are competing for a promotion, one might undermine the other rather than work together, which can hurt the overall workplace culture. Ultimately, this scenario highlights how societal beliefs about gender roles can shape behavior and power dynamics in a workplace setting.