Between blows and shoves: Affective communication between male university students

Abstract

This study explores affective communication by a group of male university students in Tabasco (Mexico), on the basis of an analysis of their interaction in an academic setting that considers the language they use and their perception of social norms for males. To that end, a workshop was held in which they reflected on their interpersonal relationships, and their behavior was observed when they were among other men on college days. It was found that the participants' affective communication is expressed through blows, shoves, and obscenities - which ties in with the heteronormative system of a patriarchal society. The emotions they show least in public are sadness and affection, as they see them as a sign of inferiority. It is concluded that university becomes a space in which affective interaction reproduces the hegemonic model of masculinity.