Maskulinitet och Manlighet i Bhagavad-Gita : En diskursanalytisk studie

Sammanfattning

This study examines the construction of masculine ideals from the two opening chapters of Bhagavad-Gita-Parvan (BGP) in the hindu epic Mahabharata. The study is reliant upon Martin Gansten's Swedish translation of Bhagavad-Gita-Parvan. The particular focus of the study is the dialogue between the avatar of Vishnu Krishna and the warrior-prince Arjuna. The theoretical framework from which the study derives is R.W Connell's theory of hegemonic masculinity. Connell’s theory of hegemonic masculinity is working alongside a modified version of discourse analysis drawing on Laclau and Mouffes discourse theory. Methodological tools from discourse analysis are used in the study, these are master signifiers, chains of equivalence and subject positions. This is helpfull in order to structure and order the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna. The analysis shows that Arjuna starts off having an inner conflict. He is torn between being a kshatriya (warrior) and his personal loyalty towards his family and kin. Arjunas initial masculine ideals are characterised by non-violence, grief, doubt and familial obligation. These ideals are by Krishna seen as being inadequate and in breach of the dharmic order. Krishna through hegemonic intervention aims to change Arjunas understanding of what being a warrior is grounded upon. The hegemonic intervention systematically dismantles Arjunas own understanding of what being a warrior is and replaces it with ideals Krishna has formulated. Krishnas ideals are grounded in duty (dharma), honor and righteous combat. The study concludes that Krishna has the function of being the judge of hegemonic masculinity within the context of BGP, delegitimizing Arjuna´s masculine ideals while he establishes a dominant alternative centered on action, courage and the fulfilment of one's dharmic duties. Thus Krishna changes Arjuna´s ideals of what being a man is and how he should act during the forthcoming battle of Kurusektra. The study aims to contribute to the largely unexplored area of how masculine ideas are created and transformed from dialogue in BGP.