Abstract:

This study investigates the variety in the perception of honor in the sense of honor and virginity among males of different age groups. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 males from different socio-cultural levels. Despite the limitations in there search, many aspects related to honor have been mentioned. Honor is one of the concepts defined with in the framework of currentpatriarchalstructureandpowerrelations. In addition to referring to moral and human values, this concept also encompasses ideas of sexuality and virginity. The study tries to depict a picture of the meaning of honor for men and the directions it can lead with sexual connotation. The study also probes into how honor is defined by men with particular reference to whether it is defined on the basis of women. With this regard, the concepts of virginity and patriarchy, which are thought to be related with honor, were discussed. In societies where traditional roles are at the forefront, different roles and responsibilities of women and men are associated with honor. Int his respect, how honor is perceived by males in Trabzon as well as the relation of patriarchy, virginity and masculinity variables with honor are also investigated. In the case of Trabzon, it is related to gender value and is dealt with separately in terms of honor and virginity. In this study, the concepts of honor and virginity were examined boths eparately and together due to the connection of honor with woman's virginity. The meanings that men attach to concepts are further discussed based on Bourdieu and Connell's thoughts.

Keywords: