Hypermasculinity and the War on Drugs in the Philippines: A Case Study of President Duterte

• In Event: Poster Session I

Abstract

On June 30th, 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte’s inaugural speech emphasized the eradication of illicit drugs and users while encouraging citizens to participate in enforcement. Within three months, an estimated 2,500 individuals were murdered in the President’s War on Drugs, averaging 38 people per day (Hincks 2016). That number has since increased, with studies reporting up to 7,000 dead in March 2017 (Bouckaert 2017). Although shocking to observing countries, Duterte’s actions are hardly surprising to Filipinos. His crusade can be traced to his mayoral years. This paper examines the intersection of politics and masculinity using President Duterte as a case study, proposing that the invocation of hypermasculinity is crucial to authoritative power. The paper begins with a brief investigation of the nation’s colonial past. Next, an analysis of masculinity, its relationship to politics, hypermasculinity, and the connection between hypermasculinity and crime is utilized as a lens to observe Duterte’s rule. Subsequently, Duterte’s childhood is considered as a crucial formation point. Lastly, this information is applied to an exploration of Duterte’s hypermasculinity before, during, and after his election. Through the examination of his masculine and hypermasculine actions, this study contributes to literature concerning the rise and acceptance of authoritarian leaders.

Author

• Alessandra Early, Northeastern University