The construction of masculinity in the context of gender norms is a topic of interest across various disciplines. In this sense, the notion of gender hegemony emerges as a key concept, describing the system of values ​​and beliefs that grants power and dominance to masculinity to the detriment of other gender identities, fostering conditions of violence. This phenomenon is rooted in gender binarism, which rigidly divides society into masculine/feminine categories, restricting gender expression outside these pre-established boundaries. In this sense, in Barranquilla, one of the most important cities in Colombia's Caribbean region, masculinity is defined and reaffirmed through gender norms that impose roles and expectations based on traditional values ​​and entrenched cultural stereotypes. This perpetuates a value system that grants power and dominance to masculinity, often relegating other gender identities to subordinate positions. This establishes a rigid division between masculine and feminine, thus limiting the free expression of gender and sexuality outside of these predefined confines. Considered in this context, these patterns of gender hegemony manifest themselves in the daily lives of students, who, in order to meet expectations of masculine behavior, are led to develop roles of virility that value physical strength, authority, and competence, while discouraging the expression of emotional vulnerability or behaviors perceived as "feminine". Pressure can profoundly affect students' emotional health and interpersonal relationships, as well as their overall well-being and commitment to promoting a culture of peace.

Therefore, this research sought to analyze the impact of emotional expression on the perception of masculinity among male students at a higher education institution in Barranquilla, Colombia. To this end, the study adopted a qualitative approach, with a descriptive scope and a non-experimental field design, in order to address the emotions of students in their natural context. Taking into account as a population the students of three undergraduate programs at a private university in Barranquilla, among whom a convenience sample of 60 students was selected, 20 from each program. These students were young people between the ages of 18 and 28, who were at a crucial stage in the process of constructing their identity and forming social perceptions, including those related to masculinity and the expression of emotions. Data collection was carried out using a structured interview with a differential approach, participant observation, and a focus group. As a result of the application of the instruments, the interview revealed that, in the students' cultural context, being a man is associated with traditionally masculine characteristics, such as emotional strength and lack of emotional expression. The observation revealed that the patterns of relationship and emotional management they adopt are framed within discourses and actions that seek to reaffirm their masculinity. The focus group revealed that they consider it important to maintain a consistently correct attitude when managing emotions. It is concluded that the masculinity the students have constructed reveals a profound impact on their emotional management as a result of social norms and social and cultural factors that contribute to conforming to standards of hegemonic masculinity, which do not favor the construction of a culture of peace.

Keywords: Hegemonic masculinity, Cultural perspective, Higher education, Emotions, Culture of peace.