Being a Black Man: Development of the Masculinity Inventory Scale (MIS) for Black Men

Abstract

This article describes how a culturally sensitive masculinity scale was developed for Black men using qualitative data. Data came from in-depth interviews (N = 13) and focus groups (n = 4) with 46 undergraduate Black males at two universities (Historically Black College and University and Predominately White Institution) in the Southeastern United States. The resulting Masculinity Inventory Scale (MIS) items were developed using direct quotes from the data. The scale was completed by 164 participants as one part of a self-administered survey. Factor analysis showed that five subscales of masculinity exist for Black men: Mainstream society, Black masculinity, Primary group, Mainstream society/Black masculinity, and Primary/peer group. Implications for future research in the area of masculinity and Black men are discussed.