Masculinities, tlawmngaihna, and mizo nationalism: Why soft, pretty Mizo men are perceived as a threat
subject: hegemonic masculinity; Masculinity; mizo nationalism; soft masculinity; soft mizo masculinity; tlawmngaihna
description: Masculinities are social and cultural attributes, roles and performances typically associated with being men. Through ethnography, this article explores the complicated position of soft masculinity in mizo cultural space and nationalist discourse. It looks at tlawmngaihna (mizo code of conduct) performances as hierarchies that are gendered and explains why mens tlawmngaihna are considered to be more visible and valuable. Using hegemonic masculinity theory, this article argues that mizo nationalism is masculinised which is fuelled by homophobia and anti-femininity. Ultimately, it explains the complexity of soft mizo masculinitys position and how they are involved but are non-visible in mizo cultural space. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
creator: Khenglawt, Ringngheti; Sahu, Sudhansubala
source: National Identities;Volume;28;Issue;1;pp.107-123
publisher: Routledge
date: 01-01-2026
rights: Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
relation: ISSN: 14608944;
format: online
language: English
type: Article
coverage: Khenglawt R., Department of Sociology, Christ University, Bangalore, India; Sahu S., Department of Sociology, Christ University, Bangalore, India