The changing dynamics of masculinity in a post-feminist world entails an analysis of the representations of boyhood and masculinity in varied temporalities and cultures. Primarily through the theories of Judith Butler, Raewyn Connell, and David Buchbinder, this article explores the problem of men and their social roles. It discusses the issue of double vulnerability faced by gay men in a patriarchal social dynamic that affects their identity construction. Through the spectacle of textual analysis, we examine Nemat Sadat's, The Carpet Weaver (2019), the tale of Kanishka, a gay boy living in a war-torn Afghanistan, and his migration to America, which aids in shaping his identity. We also examine the intersections of the masculine image within a political war zone, exploring the subject of gendered violence against men.
Sanjana Chakraborty acquired her bachelor's (2016) and master's (2018) in English from Banaras Hindu University and is a Research Scholar in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the National Institute of Technology Sikkim. Her areas of research interest are gender studies, masculinity studies, literature, gendered violence, and cultural studies. Email: phhs210017@nitsikkim.ac.in | ORCID ID:
Dhananjay Tripathi acquired his master's (2006) and Ph.D. (2013) in English from the University of Allahabad and is an Associate Professor and Head of Department and Research Supervisor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the National Institute of Technology Sikkim. Email: dhananjaystripathi9@nitsikkim.ac.in