Of predators and new men: how ideology matters in constructing military masculinities

Abstract There is a growing literature on variations of military masculinities in armed groups which focuses mainly, but not exclusively, Leftist guerrilla groups. Although these empirical studies deal with highly ideologized contexts, it remains theoretically and conceptually unclear how exactly ideology masculinity constructions are interrelated. Drawing inspiration from civil war literature, I make the theoretical argument that matters form an group seeks to construct. build concept hegemonic masculinity, highlighting its practice-theoretical implications notion background knowledge particular interest. Here, locate configurations as well ideology. Conceptualizing total institutions, ideology, first, shapes institution and, secondly, itself conveyed combatants via socializing practices. It same socialization processes only carefully constructed gender thoroughly shaped by ideological thought. My allows for more nuanced explanation thus, further adds broader Feminist debates about their variation. At end, illustrate added value my notes Salvadoran Frente Farabundo Martí de la Liberación Nacional (FMLN).