The Contours of Masculinity in Fiji's Political Landscape: The Co-construction of Masculinities through Political Parties

How are masculinities co-constructed within Fiji's political parties, and what implications does this have for the interplay of power, representation, and intersectionality? This paper critically examines the problematic constructions of masculinity within Fiji's political parties, set against the nation's ethnically polarized and tumultuous political history. The central problem addressed is the entrenched and varying manifestations of masculinity in these parties, which are co-constructed by male political actors, and their significant impact on ethnic identities and political power dynamics in a post-colonial, ethnically fragmented society. This paper employs an ethnographic methodology, focusing on the interactions and narratives of Fijian men in political parties to understand their role in shaping masculinities. The findings suggest that masculinities within Fiji's political landscape are co-constructed through a complex interplay of political rhetoric, policy-making, and daily practices within power structures. This process is deeply influenced by Fiji's character as a "militarized," "divided," "neoliberalizing," "governmentalized," and "deeply patriarchal" state. The study reveals a dialectical relationship between masculinity and ethnic identity, showing how these aspects are intertwined and mobilized to serve political agendas and maintain power dynamics. The findings contribute to broader discussions of power, representation, and intersectionality, highlighting the complexities of male dominance in a context marked by ethnic and political flux.