Exploring the Social Exchange of Manhood and Masculine Norms Among Black Heterosexual College Men

ABSTRACT

Traditional masculine norms state men are tough, protective, and sexually assertive. Young Black men must weigh the rewards and costs of adhering to or deviating from these norms within the college environment, as their choices can be detrimental to their health. Using the ecological-exchange framework, we examined adherence to or deviation from traditional masculine norms from focus groups with 13 Black heterosexual men at two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and one Minority-Serving Institution. Participants formed their masculinity through experiences with male role models and mothers but felt conflicted in their need to adhere to or deviate from norms. This reflects the processes men go through to develop their masculinity and highlights needed interventions focused on cultivating healthy masculinity.

KEYWORDS:

• Masculinity
• gender roles
• ecological-exchange model
• Black men
• sexuality

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the young men who participated in these focus groups, as they were open, transparent, and vulnerable. Your participation allowed us to learn from your perspectives and lived experiences.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, SW. The data are not publicly available due to their containing information that could compromise the privacy of research participants.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the UNC-Greensboro Health and Human Sciences Office of Research (Research Excellence Grant), UNC-Greensboro Health and Human Sciences Deans Office (Graduate Research Assistant Award), UNC-Greensboro Office of Research and Engagement (Faculty First Award), UNC-Greensboro Health and Human Sciences Office of Research (Top Off Funding Faculty Research Grant) and the Linda Arnold Carlisle Faculty Research Grant.