DOI: https://doi.org/10.36344/ccijhss.2026.v12i08.001

Pages: 163-167

Hegemonic masculinity refers to the dominant form of masculinity in society, which legitimize and normalize men's domination over women. It can be described by qualities such as strength, courage, aggression, and the ability to provide and protect. Men do take pride in justifying their masculine attributes. This paper attempts to explore how are men and women negotiating their space in the changing socio-economic structure of the household and society (in hegemonic masculinity and its power relations). Secondly, the involvement of women and their lack of control over resources and decision-making within and beyond the household. Lastly, the emerging trends in gender relations within rural household. The significance of this study questions the notion of patriarchy in a typical rural household setup. Knowingly, Patriarchy continues to exist; it is getting negotiated gradually at micro level. The research is based on mixed method i.e. quantitative as well as qualitative study. The locale of the study is Mandkola, a village and Gram panchayat located in Hathin Tehsil of Palwal district, Haryana. It is based on primary data with sample size of 40. Purposive sampling technique was used followed by unstructured interviews, narratives and a focused group discussion. The findings of the study conclude that masculinity is a subject to both change and resistance even in a state with male dominance. A change in the value system is driven by the intersection in caste, class and gender.