Blurring the boundaries: David Bowie's and Boy George's redefinition of masculinity in late twentieth-century western culture

David Bowie (born David Jones) and Boy George (George O'Dowd) have both been highly visible public performers for many years now. This thesis builds upon a pilot study I conducted last year on Bowie and George exploring the multi-faceted impact these two men have had on thirty-six sundry individuals in their thinking about gender, masculinity, music and their own lives.

This social impact study is now complemented by scholarly engagement of selected examples and aspects of their work to support the central question of this work: through their music and performances, how Bowie and George have: (1) broadened definitions of masculinity typically found in the West; (2) raised questions about the naturalness of gender; (3) advocated personal expression; (4) embraced a fluid approach to sexuality; and (5) helped numerous individuals gain a greater sense of confidence, liberation, tolerance of difference, and/or compassion in their lives. The participating informants originate from Canada, the USA, Great Britain, Australia, France, Germany, Israel, Finland, Sweden, and Mexico. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)