Dibs on that Sexy Piece of Ass: Hegemonic Masculinity on TFM Girls Instagram Account. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodriguez, Nathian Shae; Hernandez, Terri
• Is Part Of: Social media + society. Volume 4:Number 1(2018:Jan./Mar.)
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: hegemonic masculinity -- Instagram -- social media -- digital media -- total frat movement -- fraternities; Social media -- Periodicals; Social media -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 302.231
• DOI: 10.1177/2056305118760809
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-3051

Abstract

The study examines how the TFM Girls Instagram account, along with its followers, shapes and maintains dominant discourses of masculinity. Mixed-method analyses revealed that women were depicted more in bikinis, posed in overtly sexually suggestive poses, excluded the women's eyes and faces, and included predominately White, fit, big-breasted women. There was a positive correlation between the number of likes/comments with breast size. There were also instances of misogyny and objectification manifested in the men's comments attached to the photographs. The results highlight Instagram as a digital extension of fraternal social spaces. TFM Girls reinforces hegemonic masculinity on a macro-level by allowing virtual linkages among fraternity members across the United States and by fostering a national online frat house ripe with misogyny and objectification.