Masculine Beliefs Research Articles

Masculinizing plant-based diets as an appeal for dietary change among men

A significant body of research suggests that traditional masculine beliefs act as a barrier to reducing meat consumption and transitioning to a more ethical and sustainable food system. Here, we report a pre-registered experiment examining whether men who eat meat are more open to adopting plant-based diets when these diets are associated with traditional models of masculinity. A total of 1069 men who eat meat were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: a social media post with a plant-based meal featuring a male entrepreneur or a male bodybuilder (two experimental conditions), a social media post with a plant-based meal without a masculine model (social media post control condition), or a condition without any stimuli (no-information control condition). Both the entrepreneur and the bodybuilder were perceived as highly masculine, but these experimental conditions did not significantly affect participants’ perceived fit between plant-based eating and masculinity, nor did they affect tendencies to justify eating meat as necessary, attitudes toward plant-based diets, or willingness to adopt a plant-based diet. Nevertheless, the results supported previous research findings indicating that men who strongly identify as meat-eaters and those who consume more meat tend to perceive themselves as more masculine, feel more pressure from societal expectations to eat meat, justify meat-eating more strongly, view plant-based diets as less masculine, and are more negative about and less willing to adopt plant-based diets. Our findings raise questions about the “masculinization” of plant-based diets as a strategy for promoting dietary change among men.

Sociocultural and masculinity influences on colorectal cancer screening participation among Hispanic/Latino men in Florida, New York, and Texas.

This cross-sectional study explored how masculinity beliefs may influence colorectal cancer (CRC) screening participation among ethnic subgroups of screening-age-eligible (45-75 years) Hispanic/Latino men. Using a consumer panel, we recruited self-identified Hispanic/Latino men fluent in English or Spanish, and residing in Florida, New York, or Texas. The Masculinity Barriers to Medical Care (MBMC) scale and its six subscales were used to assess masculinity beliefs. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between MBMC and CRC screening participation, adjusting for Hispanic/Latino subgroup, marital status, survey language, age group, and health insurance status. Results were then stratified by Hispanic/Latino subgroup. Of the participants (n=611), approximately 31% identified as Puerto Rican, 30% as other Hispanic/Latino, 26% as Mexican, and 14% as Cuban; 63% had ever been screened for CRC. We found no differences in the prevalence of screening participation by Hispanic/Latino subgroup. The majority of participants had completed both a stool-based test and an exam-based screening test (29.3%). After adjusting for confounding, MBMC reduced the odds of screening participation. Slight MBMC-subscale differences were observed by Hispanic/Latino subgroup. For example, higher scores on the Restrictive Emotionality subscale were associated with a lower likelihood of screening participation among Puerto Rican men, but higher odds of screening for Cuban men. Masculinity barriers to CRC screening may exist. Tailored interventions to address masculinity barriers among specific Latino subgroups may improve CRC screening uptake in this population.

Abstract 796: Exploring the impact of masculine beliefs on colorectal cancer screening participation among Hispanic/Latino men in Florida, New York, and Texas

Abstract Introduction: The existing literature on colorectal cancer-related inequities among Hispanic/Latino men may be poorly descried as most outcome data to date for this ethnic group are reported in aggregate. This study explored how masculine beliefs may influence colorectal cancer screening participation among ethnic subgroups of Hispanic/Latino men aged 45-75 years. Methods: Utilizing a consumer panel, self-identified Hispanic/Latino men that were age-eligible for colorectal cancer screening and fluent in either English or Spanish were recruited from Florida, New York, and Texas (February-March 2022). The Masculinity Barriers to Medical Care (MBMC) scale, comprising six theoretically derived subscales, was assessed masculinity. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to estimate the association between MBMC and colorectal cancer screening participation, adjusting for Hispanic/Latino subgroup, marital status, survey language, age, and health insurance status. Next, to explore differences by Hispanic/Latino subgroups (Mexican/Mexican American/Chicano; Puerto Rican; Cuban; Other Hispanic/Latino), results were stratified by subgroup and adjusted for confounding. Results: There were 611 male participants, with roughly 31% identifying as Puerto Rican, 30% a different Hispanic ethnic background (“Other Hispanic/Latino”), 26% Mexican, and 14% Cuban. More than half (63%) of whom had ever been screened for colorectal cancer. No variations in screening rates were observed across Hispanic/Latino subgroups. Stool-based tests were more commonly used for screening compared to exam-based tests (60% vs. 49%). After adjusting for confounding, masculinity barriers reduced the odds of the screening participation. Differences were observed by Hispanic/Latino subgroup for a few MBMC scale items. Specifically, Cuban men were most likely to report trust in healthcare professionals, but least likely to report receiving quality medical care. Latino men of other Hispanic ethnicity were more likely to report taking risks with their own health if it benefits their family. Among Puerto Rican men, higher scores on the restrictive emotionality subscale were associated with a lower likelihood of screening participation. Conversely, higher scores on the health-related self-reliance subscale were associated with a greater likelihood of screening participation among men of other Hispanic/Latino ethnicity. Conclusion: Differences in colorectal cancer screening participation by Hispanic/Latino ethnicity were not observed, suggesting barriers to screening may be similar among subgroups. Masculinity barriers to colorectal cancer screening may exist among Latino men, particularly among Puerto Rican men. Intervening on these masculinity-related barriers masculinity may improve colorectal cancer screening uptake among Latino men. Citation Format: Ami E. Sedani, Jessica Y. Islam, Derek M. Griffith, Kelly K. Rifelj, Cordero L. McCall, Omar García-Rodríguez, Marlene Camacho-Rivera, Charles R. Rogers. Exploring the impact of masculine beliefs on colorectal cancer screening participation among Hispanic/Latino men in Florida, New York, and Texas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 796.

'I felt like I'd lost control of everything': An exploration of metacognition and masculinity in men experiencing suicidality.

Seventy-five per cent of UK suicides are completed by men, and associated masculinity beliefs are well researched. The self-regulatory executive functioning (S-REF) model of distress is governed by metacognitive beliefs about mental processes, such as worry and rumination. Little is known about metacognition in male suicidality and how these processes interact with masculinity beliefs, suicidal ideation and behaviour. To identify which aspects of the S-REF model were present in a sample of men experiencing suicidality, and to consider how these processes interact with masculinity beliefs, suicidal ideation and behaviour. Fifteen men experiencing suicidal ideation or behaviour were recruited from a home-based treatment team. Semi-structured interviews and self-report measures were administered to identify metacognitive processes and masculinity beliefs. Interviews were analysed using the framework approach. The S-REF model was identified across three super-ordinate themes; 'the cognitive attentional syndrome (CAS) and maladaptive coping', 'metacognitive beliefs about worry, uncontrollability and danger' and 'consequences'. Thirteen sub-ordinate themes included processes such as 'worry' and 'rumination', metacognitive beliefs such as 'worrying helps me avoid problems' and 'worry is dangerous for me' and emotional consequences such as 'overwhelm', 'emasculation' and 'escape'. Perseverative thinking and erroneous metacognitive beliefs were associated with reduced functioning, which was incompatible with masculinity beliefs about leadership and strength, and suicide was considered as re-establishing control. Further research into metacognitive processes in male suicidality would enhance theoretical understanding.

Malignancy, masculinities, and psychological distress: Comparisons made between men with testicular cancer and healthy controls.

Psychological distress is common in men with testicular cancer (TC), and masculinities may work to explain this. This study aimed to compare masculinities and distress in TC and healthy control (HC) populations and explore relationships between correlates of distress (psychological flexibility and coping style) and masculinities in TC. A cross-sectional, online survey was completed by 92 men with TC (Mage =34.8) and 90 HC (Mage =30.7). Measures included psychological distress (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Depression/Anxiety, fear of cancer recurrence inventory-short form), masculinities (gender role conflict-short form, inventory of subjective masculinity experiences/subjective masculinity stress scale, masculinity in chronic disease inventory), coping style (mini-mental adjustment to cancer ) and psychological flexibility (comprehensive assessment of acceptance commitment therapy). Linear regressions were conducted to compare groups and analyse associations. There were no differences in masculinities or psychological distress between populations (all p>0.05 and all Cohen's d<0.20), except for subjective masculine stress and restrictive affectionate behaviour between men. For men with TC, restrictive affection/emotion, conflicts between family/work and subjective masculine stress were associated with psychological distress (rs 0.21-0.58). Optimistic action was negatively associated with depression/anxiety, helplessness/hopelessness coping (rs -0.27 to -0.42) and positively associated with psychological flexibility (r=0.35). Masculinities are implicated in psychological distress in men with TC. Psychological flexibility as well as leveraging masculine beliefs (e.g., optimistic action) may be modifiable targets to reduce distress in men with TC.

Visual representation of the menopause in Iran

This study investigates the visual representation of menopause in Iranian health promotion resources. The author uses Kress and Van Leeuwen’s approach to visual analysis (Kress G and Van Leeuwen T (2002) Colour as a semiotic mode: Notes for a grammar of colour. Visual Communication 2(3): 343–368 and Kress G and Van Leeuwen T (2006) Reading Images: The Grammar of Visual Design, 2nd edn. London: Routledge.) to study publications about the menopause by the Iranian Government and two major medical universities. Two research questions guide the investigation: How do Iranian health promotion resources visually represent the menopause? How do these representations reflect and reproduce cultural values and religious beliefs? Findings reveal that: the publications address both men and women, but exclude widows, single and divorced women; the publications encourage women to stay healthy and lead a fulfilling post-menopausal life; and that they have a distinctly Iranian approach to the use of visual communication, characterized by abstract modality, visual symbolism and the emotive expressivity of a vivid use of colour. However, the publications have not been updated since 2008 and are currently not distributed so that their generally positive message cannot, at present, challenge some traditional masculine beliefs which restrict women to the roles of wife and mother.

(029) Frequent Pornography Consumption is Linked to Poor Body Satisfaction and Consequently to Poor Sexual Functioning in Heterosexually-identified Men Who Endorse Masculinity Ideologies

Abstract Introduction In Western societies, men may frequently receive messages about ideals of an often unattainable male body through visual media, including pornography. Additionally, men may hold traditional masculinity beliefs that idealize slender and muscular male bodies. Objective The current study analyzed whether pornography consumption was associated with men’s body satisfaction. Additionally, it was analyzed whether the endorsement of masculinity ideologies was a vulnerability factor that makes men more or less susceptible to pornography’s influence on body satisfaction. The study further analyzed whether body satisfaction in turn predicted men’s experiences of distressing sexual problems. Methods An online questionnaire study was conducted among 261 self-identified heterosexual young men (Mage = 24.4, SD = 3.5) at an Austrian medical university. The questionnaire contained questions about frequency of pornography consumption, body satisfaction, and distressing sexual problems. Endorsement of masculinity ideologies was assessed with the Male Role Norms Inventory–Short Form. A structural equation model was calculated to test whether the frequency of pornography consumption predicted body satisfaction, and whether body satisfaction in turn predicted distressing sexual problems. Men’s endorsement of masculinity ideologies was considered as a moderator for the effect of pornography consumption on body satisfaction. Results A structural equation model (χ2(30) = 39.3, p = .119; χ2/df = 1.3; RMSEA = .035, 90%CI = .000 – .062; CFI = .941; SRMR = .029) revealed that for most men pornography consumption was not associated with body satisfaction. However, there was a negative association between pornography consumption and body satisfaction for men who strongly endorsed the masculinity ideology of men needing to always be the dominant. Poor body satisfaction in turn was significantly associated with the experience of distressing erectile difficulties, ejaculation sooner than desired, or diminished intensity of orgasmic sensations. Conclusions This study reveals the importance of body satisfaction for sexual functioning in young heterosexual-identified men. Thus, clinicians who treat sexual problems in young men should address their clients’ or patients’ body satisfaction. Empowering men who endorse masculinity ideologies to challenge norms for an “ideal” male body, as depicted in most pornography, may be an important component of such interventions. Disclosure No

Effect of masculine eating and drinking beliefs on male consumers’ concern with healthy eating and binge drinking

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of masculine eating/drinking beliefs on male consumers’ concern with unhealthy eating/drinking habits and, in turn, with binge drinking. Additionally, this research tests if and how a change in these beliefs influences binge drinking intention and intention to eat unhealthy food.Design/methodology/approachThree studies were conducted in Bogotá (Colombian males; convenience sampling). The purpose of Study 1 (N = 209) was to develop a scale to measure masculine eating/drinking beliefs. Study 2 (N = 191) tested the mediating role of concern with unhealthy eating/drinking habits in the relationship of masculine eating/drinking beliefs with binge drinking. Study 3 (N = 179) was an experimental study, which examined the effect of information about some negative consequences of masculine beliefs on the answers to the masculine eating/drinking beliefs inventory and, in turn, on binge drinking intention and intention to eat unhealthy food.FindingsA one-dimensional (eight-items) scale was developed and validated. The results of this paper show that masculine eating/drinking beliefs are associated with lower concern with unhealthy eating/drinking and, in turn, with higher binge drinking. Information that influences these beliefs leads to lower binge drinking and unhealthy food ingestion intentions.Research limitations/implicationsThis research presents the first scale that measures masculine eating/drinking beliefs. It provides initial evidence on how an intervention focused on the negative consequences of sexism can influence these beliefs, affecting binge drinking and overeating intentions.Practical implicationsThis research provides new findings on a topic associated with several health problems in many countries, including the effect on consumers’ weight gaining and related illnesses.Originality/valueThis research presents the first scale that measures masculine eating/drinking beliefs. It provides initial evidence about factors (through mediating variables) that link masculine eating/drinking beliefs with some unhealthy eating/drinking habits. In addition, the results show how information about some negative consequences of these beliefs can influence consumers’ binge drinking and unhealthy food ingestion intentions, which leads to key recommendations for future interventions. As a result, this research provides new findings on a topic associated with several health problems in many countries, including the effect on consumers’ weight gaining and related illnesses.

Maternal and Paternal Predictors of Turkish Fathers’ Nurturing and Caregiving

This study uses bioecological and identity theories to explore associations among maternal education and employment, fathers’ gender role beliefs and identities, and fathers’ caregiving and nurturing involvement in a Turkish context. The study sample was derived from data collected in 2016 from 1,102 fathers of children between birth and 3 years of age. We used path analysis in structural equation modeling to test direct and indirect associations. Direct paths between maternal education and employment and fathers’ caregiving and nurturing behaviors were not significant; however, some fathers’ gender role beliefs mediated the associations. Modernity beliefs mediated the association between education and caregiving, and fathers’ emotional closeness mediated the association between maternal education and fathers’ nurturing behaviors. Furthermore, maternal employment was indirectly associated with fathers’ caregiving via his beliefs about the equality of sons and daughters and division of labor at home. Father identity development was not associated with maternal education or employment, and only mediated associations between fathers’ beliefs about emotional closeness and their caregiving and nurturing involvement. The current findings suggest that cultural norms and beliefs likely play themselves out via parenting styles and family structures (the microsystems for children), and therefore these family variables may contain very valuable cultural information in understanding the processes of father identity construction, masculinity beliefs, and father involvement behaviors.

Demonic and Divine Attributions around COVID-19 Vaccines: Links with Vaccine Attitudes and Behaviors, QAnon and Conspiracy Beliefs, Anger, Spiritual Struggles, Religious and Political Variables, and Supernatural and Apocalyptic Beliefs

Given the prevalence of supernatural beliefs in the United States, some people may believe that God or the devil influenced people to create or receive COVID-19 vaccines. In an Internet sample of 3196 U.S. adults (with many preregistered hypotheses), divine vaccine attributions were more common than demonic attributions. Demonic vaccine attributions were linked with more anti-vaccination attitudes and lower odds of vaccination, whereas divine attributions showed the opposite pattern. Demonic (but not divine) attributions showed consistent positive connections with conspiracy beliefs (including QAnon), anger toward people and organizations seen as pro-vaccine, and seeing one’s political opponents as enemies and as evil. Demonic attributions were also linked with more anxiety, depression, and spiritual struggle, and lower agreeableness and social desirability. Both demonic and divine attributions related positively to political conservatism, religious fundamentalism, Christian nationalism, authoritarian aggression, and traditional masculinity beliefs. Demonic (but not divine) attributions were also associated with being younger and having less education. Both demonic and divine vaccine attributions correlated positively with religiousness, belief in God and the devil, and seeing these entities as powerful, able to work through natural events, and intervening often in the world. Demonic and divine attributions also related positively to belief in heaven and hell, seeing many people as destined for hell, seeing life as a cosmic battle between good and evil, and apocalyptic or “end times” beliefs.

The Impact of Masculinity Beliefs and Political Ideologies on Men’s Backlash Against Non-Traditional Men: The Moderating Role of Perceived Men’s Feminization

Traditional masculinity norms are still prevalent in our societies. As a result, men who deviate from these norms face adverse reactions (i.e., backlash), mainly from other men. The present research investigated whether the perceived threat to gender status quo accounts for this phenomenon. In two studies using a sample of heterosexual men (<em>N_total</em> = 338), we measured male participants’ endorsement of traditional masculinity beliefs and their political orientation. As a means of examining the role of threat to the gender status quo, we then manipulated whether traditional masculinity norms remained stable (stability) or changed across time (men’s feminization). Finally, we assessed participants’ evaluation of men who deviate from traditional masculinity norms (i.e., a backlash against a non-traditional man). This target was either compared to a traditional man (Study 1) or a traditional woman (Study 2). The general hypothesis was that men who are strongly motivated to maintain the gender status quo (i.e., those who endorse traditional masculinity beliefs to a higher extent or support right-wing political ideologies) should show greater backlash, particularly when the gender status quo is threatened (i.e., in the men’s feminization condition). The results of a small-scale meta-analysis supported our hypothesis. We discuss the impact of these findings on the gender literature.

Measurement Invariance and Comparison of Mean Scores by Age Cohort of Two Versions of the Male Role Norms Inventory

This study was designed to inquire into the effects of aging versus age cohort by examining how men and women representing four age cohorts across the life span endorse masculinity ideology. Ascertaining whether different groups (such as age cohorts) understand a scale in the same way by assessing measurement invariance is a fundamental but oft-ignored prerequisite to comparing their scores on the scale. The Male Role Norms Inventory-Short Form (MRNI-SF) is a multidimensional measure used to assess beliefs in specific norms of masculinity, as well as general beliefs in traditional masculinity ideology (TMI). A five-item unidimensional MRNI -Very Brief (MRNI-VB) has also been developed measuring TMI only. This study administered the MRNI-SF (which includes the five items for the MRNI-VB) to 1,352 men and women in four age cohorts: young, established, middle-aged, and older. Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses found support for partial strong invariance for the MRNI-SF across age cohorts. Support for partial strict invariance was found for the MRNI-VB across age cohorts. For both scales, the effect sizes of non-invariant parameters were small in magnitude, thus non-invariance may have little practical significance. These results suggest that the MRNI-SF and the MRNI-VB measure similar masculinity ideology constructs across men and women in four age cohorts. Mean scores on each instrument were therefore compared across age cohorts with confidence, finding that the age cohorts commonly did not endorse “traditional” masculinity ideology, but differed in the level of disagreement with the tenets of TMI in six out of nine comparisons. In five of those six, older adults hewed more strongly to TMI than younger adults, suggesting that age cohort was more determinative of masculinity beliefs than age.

Millennials, Manliness, and Mental Health: What Needs to Change?

Millennials, Manliness, and Mental Health: What Needs to Change?

Masculinity beliefs and willingness to seek help among young men in the United Kingdom and Pakistan

ABSTRACT Health-related behaviors including help-seeking are related to men’s felt and perceived masculinity. This study explored whether findings from studies of links between masculinity and health-related behavior in developed ‘western’ contexts applied in the more strongly patriarchal cultural context of Pakistan. Online questionnaires were completed by male university students aged 17–30: 307 in Pakistan and 105 in the United Kingdom. Analyses revealed that compared to British men, Pakistani respondents had less egalitarian beliefs about gender relations, gave more importance to their own masculinity, considered non-traditional behaviors to have greater negative implications for men’s masculinity, and were less willing to seek help. Among Pakistani men, lower willingness to seek help for physical and mental health was predicted by having less egalitarian gender beliefs, giving greater importance to personal masculinity, and considering non-traditional behaviors to have greater negative implications for men’s masculinity. Among British men, greater perceived masculinity of help seeking predicted help seeking for physical concerns, and less importance of personal masculinity predicted help seeking for mental health. The results highlight a need for sensitivity to men’s gender identity concerns when providing and encouraging use of health care, and to be aware of how cultural norms shape individuals’ beliefs and behavior.

Measuring Masculinity in Men With Chronic Disease.

The Masculinity in Chronic Disease Inventory (MCD-I) is a new measure of internalized masculine beliefs previously validated in the context of prostate cancer. The present study assessed the validity of the MCD-I in men with other chronic diseases to explore its potential for wider application. A cross-sectional survey of 633 men aged 47–93 years old (M = 68 years), of whom 68% reported ≥2 chronic conditions, was conducted. Measures included the MCD-I and Erectile Function. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed followed by tests for discriminant validity. A five-factor structure was confirmed that explained 60% of the variance, with good to excellent reliabilities (α = 0.68–0.93) for the domains of Optimistic Action, Sexual Importance/Priority, Family Responsibilities, Emotional Self-Reliance, and Strength/Fitness. The MCD-I is a valid measure of internalized masculine beliefs for men with chronic disease that appears sensitive to age and to sexual health. The tailoring of health services for men can be guided by MCD-I outcomes to ensure gender-sensitized men’s health interventions.

Why don’t “real men” learn languages? Masculinity threat and gender ideology suppress men’s language learning motivation

Large gender disparities in participation still exist across many university subjects and career fields, but few studies have examined factors that account for gender gaps in female-dominated disciplines. We examine one possible cause: threatened masculinity among men who hold traditional gender ideologies. Past research has linked endorsement of traditional gender ideologies to gender-stereotypical occupational choices, and threats to masculinity can lead men to distance themselves from femininity. After confirming that 1,672 undergraduates stereotyped language learning as feminine, we applied a masculinity threat manipulation to investigate 182 men’s disinterest in studying foreign languages, a female-dominated university subject. Men with traditional masculinity ideologies reported less interest in foreign language study and less positive attitudes towards foreign languages following masculinity threat, compared to men whose masculinity was affirmed or who held less traditional masculinity beliefs. Traditional masculine gender roles may lead some men to avoid feminine-typed domains, such as foreign language learning.

68. Exploring Factors Associated With Early Sex Onset Among Urban Young Men Aged 15-24: The Important Role Of Parents And Partners

Research suggests that about 30% of urban Black male adolescents report first sex younger than age 13. Considering physical and neurological development during early adolescence, a natural question is when is it too early for adolescents to have sex? Very early sex may challenge social norms and for some, suggest coercive experiences. It also challenges how parents, teachers and practitioners approach early sex education for boys. To gain a better understanding of the context of early sexual experiences, we explored partner-, personal-, and parent-level factors associated with early sex onset among Black male adolescents aged 15-24. Cross-sectional sample of male patients aged 15-24 recruited from three primary care and two STD clinics in one urban mid-Atlantic city. From 08/14-09/17, data were collected for ∼2 weeks at each clinic over five rounds. Among eligible participants, 493 enrolled (participation rate=70%) were asked about their age of first sex (outcome), demographic, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) characteristics. The last round (08/17-09/17; analytic sample n=66) also assessed contextual-level factors of the first sex experience at partner- (i.e., “much older/younger” aged partner, relationship status, sex wantedness, sex decision-making), personal- (i.e., perceived knowledge about sex, peer norms, masculinity beliefs and traits), and parent-levels (i.e., parent/guardian closeness, relationship satisfaction, and supervision, perceived parents’/guardians’ beliefs about sex). Frequencies and cross-tabs of participants’ characteristics by first sex at 13 or younger (early sex onset) versus later onset were generated. Pearson chi-squared tests were conducted to explore associations between early sex onset with participants’ characteristics and contextual-level factors. Across all rounds, 29% of males aged 15-24 reported early sex onset, which varied only by pregnancy history; a higher proportion with early onset (61%) were involved in a pregnancy than later onset (41%) (p<.001). Contextual factors at early sex onset experience included 50% of partners were hookups, 43% had “much older” partner, 57% did not want it to happen/had mixed feelings, 71% made joint decision with partner to have sex, 57% felt closer to partner, 64% had sex with partner again, 57% did not know what they were doing, and 71% held traditional masculine beliefs. Less than half felt close or satisfied with parent/guardian relationships. Partner age, perceived knowledge about sex, and parental relationships were associated with early sex onset: a higher proportion self-reported a “much older” first partner than later onset males (43% vs. 9%; p=.038) and lacked knowledge about sex (57% vs. 28%; p=.046); a lower proportion reported being close (43%) or relationship satisfaction with their maternal (50%), and paternal (31%) parent/guardian than later onset males (72%, 83%, and 68%, respectively) (p=.046, p=.013; and p=.016, respectively). Findings suggest that early sex onset among Black males is connected to lack of strong parental ties and older sexual partners playing influential roles in encouraging early sexual behavior. While young men may not be more likely to report early first sex as unwanted, their ability to make informed, autonomous decisions with older partners requires further investigation.

The impact of a brief structured intervention on young offenders masculine identity: a mixed methods study

PurposeMasculinity in young men can be considered a dynamic risk factor. However, there is a lack of interventions designed to support men and young men to explore the ways in which the concept of masculinity contributes to shaping their individual identity. The purpose of this paper is to explore young offenders’ perceptions of a programme designed to address masculinity and criminogenic attitudes and evaluate whether the programme contributed to any personal change/development and what core learning they took from the course.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilised a mixed-methods approach to address aims and objectives.FindingsThe quantitative results found that there was a pre-/post-course reduction in toughness and increase in self-esteem and risk-taking perceptions. The qualitative results identified four superordinate themes reconstruing masculine self-realisation awareness and reflection group dynamics and course relationships and unintended consequences. The course-assisted participants in helping to reconstrue aspects of being a man made them think about the future and allowed for participants to consider their possible and desired selves.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has policy and practice implications for brief interventions targeted at young offenders.Originality/valueThe research evaluates a novel intervention aimed at addressing young offenders masculine beliefs and identities. The research has implications for working with this client group.

Doom Guy Comes of Age: Mediating Masculinities in Power Fantasy Video Games

Doom Guy Comes of Age: Mediating Masculinities in Power Fantasy Video Games

‘Wie het die geheim verklap?’ – Seksuele identiteit in Johann Nell se plaasroman &lt;i&gt;Sondag op ’n voëlplaas&lt;/i&gt; (2013)

‘Who let out the secret?’ – Sexual identity in Johann Nell’s farm novel Sondag op ’n voëlplaas [Sunday on a bird farm] (2013). The statement of the narrator in Johann Nell’s farm novel Sondag op ’n voëlplaas (2013) about his self-quest amongst ‘wild, fierce and erect ostrich necks’ (pp. 244–245), alludes to his doubts about his sexual identity. The apparent latent homosexual is strengthened by the epigraph, a direct translation of an excerpt from Calaf’s aria ‘Nessun Dorma’ from Puccini’s opera Turandot. In the traditional Afrikaans farm novel, the narrator is usually a third-person (auctorial) narrator. The use of a first-person narrator in Nell’s novel emphasises his deviation from the (stereo)typical traits and attributes of the traditional farm novel. The subjectivity inherent to the firstperson narration (the I-as-protagonist) implies that what is represented in this novel is the main character’s version of reality and his response to, especially, the farm as bastion of masculinity and traditional socio-political beliefs. Based on the above, this article takes as its point of departure the hypothetical assumption that the epigraph has an important part to play in the interpretation of the secret in that the implied or abstract author, by means of a parodying perspective, highlights a specific vision regarding the thematic significance. The epigraph not only reinforces the idea of a lack of identity and the idea that the ‘true’ identity could perhaps be a homosexual disposition, but also that it is simultaneously an etiological journey to the original opera libretto. In its turn, the libretto can be traced back to the Greek myth of Oedipus and the sphinx. By both discussing the intertexts and analysing the narrator’s language usage, his disposition and his tale of the (traumatised) self, his sexual identity is scrutinised.