Modelos de masculinidad en la literatura chino-americana contemporánea

Abstract

Masculinity Models in Contemporary Chinese-American Literature This dissertation studies the masculinity models present in contemporary Chinese-American literature. In order to do this, I analyse the works of representative authors such as Frank Chin, Louis Chu, David Henry Hwang, Gish Jen, Ha Jin and Maxine Hong Kingston. My main goal is to examine the differences between those obsolete and stereotypical models from those which can offer appropriate alternatives for Chinese-American masculinities. However, in order to carry out a rigorous study on the origin of masculine stereotypes, I also examine the socio-cultural and historical context of this ethnic minority. Since speaking of masculinities inevitably involves speaking of gender and sex, these concepts occupy a significant place in this project. My approach to Chinese-American masculinities is based on the arguments of critics as King-kok Cheung or Jinqi Ling, the deconstructive theories of Jacques Derrida, and the queer thought of Judith Butler. I believe that the dialogue between the approaches of critical theory and the literary works proposes innovative results that will be effective to prevent the recurrence of negative images, and to contribute to the dissemination of new models.