Hegemonic masculinity refers to the dominant or main ways of being a man in a society that are widely accepted and often idealised, shaping societal expectations and norms for male behaviour and identity. This concept, developed by sociologist R. W. Connell, describes a culturally idealised form of masculinity that is often associated with characteristics such as strength, independence, rationality, emotional control, and heterosexuality, and which often positions men in positions of power and authority over women and other marginalised masculinities. Hegemonic masculinity is not necessarily practiced by the majority of men but rather represents a culturally dominant ideal that influences how masculinity is understood and performed in society, often setting standards against which other forms of masculinity are measured and sometimes devalued. It is a dynamic and evolving concept that varies across cultures and historical periods.