Black Men in College: Understandings and Perceptions of Masculinity

• In Event: Race/Ethnicity and the College Student Experience

Abstract

In recent years, higher education has seen an increase in masculinity studies (e.g., Edwards & Jones, 2009; Harper & Harris III, 2010; Harris III, 2010; Harris III & Edwards, 2010). One reason for this is the recognition of race and ethnicity in the deconstruction of the gender gap in higher education (Cuyjet, 2006; Harris III, 2010; Harris III & Barone, 2011). Building on this prior research, this study explores how Black men in college understand, and perceive their own, masculinity through a framework of: (a) social construction and performance, (b) hegemonic masculinity, (c) intersectionality, and (d) racial heterogeneity. We believe this exploration provides valuable insights into improving campus resources and potentially reducing the racialized gender gap in higher education.

Authors

• Jennifer Fellabaum, University of Missouri

• Jeni L. Hart, University of Missouri - Columbia

• Andre Brown, University of Missouri - Columbia