3-146 - Fostering Healthier Gender Development for Boys in Response to #MeToo, Mass Shootings, and Other Events

Session Type: Conversation Roundtable

Integrative Statement

For many Americans and people around the world, this is an especially turbulent and stressful historical period. From the #MeToo Movement to the increase in mass shootings, there are events shaping the social and psychological climate in new, important and unpredictable ways. In particular, the #MeToo Movement and mass shootings hold unique significance for boys and men in that for both the perpetrators are primarily male. While many boys and men do not actively support or perpetrate violence, sexual harassment, or other abuse, these compelling statistics implicate dominant masculine norms and patriarchal values that reinforce male entitlement, objectification of women, and power and violence. Furthermore, these events illuminate concerns about boys' development that have been cited for decades (e.g., suicide rates, risk taking, emotional health, and crime). In response, this Roundtable will take up the question of healthier masculine gender development and well-being with leading experts on bullying, sexual harassment and prevention/intervention science; race and gender stereotypes and Black boys' development; homophobic bullying and Gay-Straight Alliances in schools; and the social-emotional development of boys. The Roundtable will be moderated by Dr. Christopher Reigeluth, an expert on adolescent boys and gender policing. The Roundtable will conclude with a 30 minute period of discussion with the audience. While none of us can know how this important conversation might unfold, an overarching goal is to contribute to turning these recent and longstanding societal issues that implicate toxic masculinities into positive change in the interests of boys and all people.

Sub Unit

• Sex, Gender

Moderator

• Christopher Scott Reigeluth, Pacific University

Panelists

• Dorothy L. Espelage, University of Florida

• Joseph Derrick Nelson, Swarthmore College

• V. Paul Poteat, Boston College