Male Sociability and Rituals of Masculinity in Rural Andalusia

This essay explores patterns of male sociability in rural Andalusian bars. Agricultural laborers in particular spend much of their time and money on social drinking. Their behavior in cafés and at festivals reveals a deep concern for their sexual and gender identity. It is shown how gender distinctions are ritualized in drinking performances. An answer to the questions of why the bar is so central a focus for men and why masculine display is so pronounced is suggested by taking into account contradictions between the ideal and actual division of domains and tasks by sex.