MAKING MEN : PERFORMING MASCULINITIES IN NATIONAL SERVICE FULL-TIME (NSF)

Abstract

Within social and cultural geography, constructions of masculinities have received increasing attention. Studies on masculinities are still relatively few in contrast to those dealing with women and their socio-spatial experiences. This thesis aims to explore and understand National Service Full-time (NSF) as a mcndatory rite of passage for all Singaporean men as well as its impacts at different scales - that of the soldier body, to the family unit, the nation and beyond. Male soldier identities are examined using the concept of gender identities as performances. Through in-depth interviews with respondents regarding their NSF experience, the male soldier body is found to be a central site where soldiery ideals such as discipline, camaraderie and leadership are mapped, albeit with negotiations and resistances. Within the institution, there exists a plurality of masculinities, which are arranged in hierarchies. Hegemonic forms of masculinities are constantly negotiated and challenged by NSFs. These masculinities are also constructed in relation to alternative sexualities within the miliary space. Moreover, as part of military discipline, spatial restrictions on the NSF have impacts on their socio-spatial experiences and identities. On the geographical scale, the state functions as a geo-body, where state ideals are ‘mapped’ onto the NSF. It is hoped that this thesis will illuminate the reader to the pertinent role of space in the construction of masculinities within NSF.