Abstract
This thesis investigates the perspectives, experiences, and relationships of young men living in post-conflict Mostar, in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Adopting gender as an analytical device to study relations and processes as the starting point, this study utilizes a mixed qualitative approach to explore hegemonic and alternative understandings of masculinity in the lives of young men and boys living in post-conflict Mostar. Through data gathered from both field observation and focus group interviews with nine young men in a local gender transformative program, this thesis explores their individual and collective understandings of masculinity, social relationships, and national identity. Findings revealed that scepticism and distrust were key themes which influenced identity formation amongst young men and made it hard to build relationships across national lines. Additionally, social norms in Mostar made challenging both hegemonic masculinity and ethnocentrism due to social judgment and isolation. The findings revealed the importance of places like BMK, where ethnocentrism and toxic masculinity could be addressed simultaneously.