Masculinity in Pulitzer Prize-winning plays, 1982--2002: A content analysis study.

Abstract

This study examines masculinity in Pulitzer Prize-Winning Plays from 1982--2002. Masculinity has been under intense scrutiny and criticism in the media in the past twenty years and male images have changed during this period of time. Traditional male roles have been criticized and new male ideals have been presented to counter these images from the past. This research project seeks to examine how Pulitzer Prize winners in Drama have presented leading male roles from 1982--2002. Particular elements under consideration are: age, race, economic status, marital status, and other areas. The primary area of analysis is through masculine archetypes---King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover. Through these archetypes, concepts of masculinity are studied and conclusions drawn to determine how men have been presented in these Pulitzer Prize-winning plays.