Contrast between Indian Sub-Continent and Western Male Homosociality in context to Mario Puzo's The Godfather
Abstract
The research carefully examines whether the text provides enough evidence to support its main hypothesis. It focuses on male homosociality and masculinity as a response to the crisis in masculinity caused by rising feminist movements, changing gender roles, and the capitalist nature of Western society. The novel portrays dominant male characters and the crime world, making it seem like a typical masculine text. On one side, there are strong, macho men, while on the other, female characters are submissive and insignificant. The plot mainly highlights masculine virtues and vices, while women are confined to minor domestic roles. Each male character exhibits a desire for homosocial bonding, which helps them reaffirm their masculinity, which the study suggests is in crisis. The traditional idea of masculinity and the patriarchy that supported it lost its power as the century turned, influenced by rapid technological changes and evolving ideologies. As women questioned femininity, they crossed gender boundaries and explored new territories, often leaving men feeling confused. In "The Godfather," the depiction of male camaraderie and the story of a charismatic patriarch address this male anxiety of feeling threatened.
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Introduction
- Male Homosociality, Masculinity and The Godfather:
Men have traditionally held a superior position in their relationships with women, but they often find themselves caught in complex power struggles, not just with women but also among themselves. There is a clear but unspoken hostility, along with some compassion and camaraderie among men. Their relationships shape their behavior, education, and identity. While masculinity is often discussed and desired, it has not been critically examined in terms of its evolution and the factors that influence it. Male homosociality is familiar yet complex due to the societal position of masculinity (Brid, 1996).
In Mario Puzo’s, The Godfather, male homosociality the social bonds between men is shown differently when we compare the Indian sub-continent and Western contexts. In the Western setting of the novel, male relationships revolve heavily around power, loyalty, and dominance. Men bond through competition, violence, and shared control, often excluding women from these spaces. This world is shaped by strict codes of masculinity, where men prove their strength to gain respect and authority (Oliver 5; Chiampi,80-6).
Mario Puzo's The Godfather explores male fraternity and modern masculinity within the crime world, focusing on the character Don Vito Corleone. This paper examines the nature of male relationships in the novel, highlighting the complex dynamics of bonding and hostility that exist alongside respect and admiration. As the concept of masculinity evolved, history took unexpected turns. The rise of feminist movements and gay and lesbian culture challenged traditional macho ideals. In response, masculinity sought to reassert itself through art and literature, particularly in crime fiction, buddy movies, and war films. These expressions often sidelined female characters, reinforcing the idea of male superiority. In the story, Carlo arranges Sonny's murder, leading Vito to reluctantly join the narcotics business he once rejected. He ensures the safe return of his youngest son, Michael, who has changed and is now ready to take control of the family business. Michael seeks to marry his longtime partner, Kay. After Don Vito dies from a stroke, Michael becomes the new Godfather and orders the deaths of rival families, expanding his power in New York. However, Michael's life becomes complicated. He moves the family business to Nevada, promising Kay that he will legitimize it, but instead, he expands into hotels and gambling while planning operations in Cuba. During this time, he forms an alliance with Hyman Roth, who plots against him with Fredo as a go-between (Cawelti, 19). As Michael tries to negotiate with Roth, tensions rise, and Roth turns to the FBI for protection. Meanwhile, Michael faces personal struggles, including the news of Kay's miscarriage.
Despite his influence, Michael escapes legal troubles but continues to have issues with Kay, who wants to end their marriage. The family faces more challenges with the death of Mama Corleone, which brings them closer together. Connie pleads to be part of the family again, and even Fredo returns. To regain his power, Michael must eliminate his enemies, including Fredo. Ultimately, he succeeds and reestablishes his dominance.
Conclusion
Homosociality, as explained by Kimmel, could be called an attitude a principle that all men, including heterosexual ones, are raised up in the culture to be more eager to please other men and seek their approval than women. Men do ‘manly’ things like whistling and yelling to connect to other men no just to grab female attention. And we don’t find in most contemporary Western cultures men criticizing their buddies' attitudes towards women and gender as an adherence to the unwritten code of masculinity and homosociality. It is, therefore, not at all surprising and uncommon for men to be out of their comfort zone taking feminist position in all male environment given their desire for male approval.
The novel The Godfather explores masculinity and male social desire in a deep way. Masculinity is not fixed; it changes over time and is shaped by society (Sedgwick, 92, Gardaphé, 23). Historically, male power has dominated human history, but today traditional ideas of masculinity face challenges from feminism, modernization, and new cultural values. Despite these changes, masculinity still tries to prove its importance. Mario Puzo’s The Godfather is a story full of strong male characters. It shows a male-only world where men prove their strength, honor, and courage. Women in the story are mostly minor and have little importance. The book focuses on male relationships where men compete but also share a special bond called "male homosocial desire." This means men support each other socially and emotionally while competing. Masculinity in the book is shown through behavior like emotional distance, competition, and seeing women as objects. These behaviors create brotherhood among men, even if they compete. Men are expected to be logical, compete for respect, and enjoy their power over women. This way of thinking divides men and women into opposites, where men feel superior. The Godfather portrays a world where masculinity is central involving competition, power, and male bonding reflecting traditional male dominance but also showing its complexity in changing times. In contrast, male homosociality in the Indian sub-continent emphasizes family honor, duty, and social roles within extended kinship networks. Here, men’s relationships are deeply connected with family responsibilities and social hierarchy, linked to cultural and religious traditions. While dominance and loyalty are central in both contexts, the Indian model incorporates more communal and familial obligations that shape male identity. Puzo’s The Godfather primarily reflects Western male homosociality but offers insight into how masculine power operates through patronage and patriarchal authority, concepts that can also be found in South Asian societies but expressed differently. Thus, the contrast lies in the Western focus on individualistic power struggles and criminal brotherhood, while the Indian sub-continent’s male bonds are more rooted in family, social order, and duty. Both systems uphold male dominance but through culturally distinct practices.
References
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- Cawelti, John G. “The New Mythology of Crime.” Boundary 2, vol. 3, 1975, pp. 325–57.
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- Oliver, Eduardo Esteban. “Male Homosociality in Mario Puzo’s The Godfather.” 2011.