Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Sociology (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Sociology and Criminology

Advisor/Mentor

Allison, Kayla

Committee Member

Scaptura, Maria

Second Committee Member

Windisch, Steven

Keywords

Election Violence; Masculinity; Patriotism

Abstract

Research on political violence demonstrates how certain aspects of masculinity are linked to asserting ideological authority and reinforcing exclusionary social identities through physical aggression, such as assaults, homicides, and gender-based violence. However, little research analyzes the use of violent threats as masculinity performances to achieve these same ends. To address this gap, this study analyzes messages from qualitative interviews with 26 election officials who experienced violent threats, examining performances of a distinct form of masculinity – patriotic masculinity – which fuses hegemonic masculine norms with patriotic values. Findings reveal ways in which actors construct and perform patriotic masculinity to frame violence as defense of the nation, delegitimize officials as opponents, and assert dominance and control. By portraying their aggression as patriotic duty, these actors merge patriotism with masculine ideals by relying on masculinity discourse to regulate civic participation and reinforce existing power hierarchies. This study contributes to individual-level masculinities research, adding to literature on masculinities discourse in social interactions, especially when physical displays are unavailable. This study also expands the concept of hegemonic masculinity as displays of patriotism represent an idealized form of masculinity in the U.S. in this current time and political climate.

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