British Imperial Masculinity

Paper Summary:

This paper deals with some of the forms of imperial and masculine expressions that defined imperial masculinity in late 18th and early 19th century Britain. Areas discussed include education and sports, boys novels and periodicals, newspapers, adult novels and travel writing, hunting, reverence of medieval knights, explorers and politicians.

From the Paper:

"Within education, it was the public schools that first embraced the ideology of imperial masculinity. Jeffrey Richards identified three manifestations of manliness in the public school system: the link between education and religion, 'muscular Christianity' and the 'cult of athleticism' The first manifestation was concerned with turning boys into 'gentlemen' - combining religious and moral principles with gentlemanly conduct and intelligence. The second linked physical strength and courage with Christianity. The third was concerned with team spirit and fair play. All three are linked with imperialism as they reflect the changing definition of imperialism through the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century."

More papers on British Imperial Masculinity:

• Analytical Essay # 132647 : "British Nationhood and National Pride"
• Analytical Essay # 6189 : "The Effects that Masculinity Plays in "Things Fall Apart"
• Analytical Essay # 85843 : "The Buddha of Suburbia"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: