College men, Community Engagement, and Masculinity: Ten Narratives of Men Making a Difference
The
purpose of this study was to investigate the participation of cisgender
collegiate men in community engagement activities. As a group, collegiate men
disproportionately engage in unhealthy behaviors compared to their female
counterparts. Additionally, they are less likely to participate in community
engagement activities. Community engagement activities have a multitude of
benefits for both male and female college students, yet national data shows
that college men are more likely to play video games or sports when given the
choice. This qualitative study used a narrative inquiry method and ten
participants were interviewed using a semi-structured process. Several themes
from the participants’ narratives emerged including 1) having an insular group that is
representative of individual values; 2) commitment to service is deeply
entrenched into career or life goals; 3) complex relationship between service
and fraternity; and 4) importance of childhood and boyhood as it relates to
identity; matriculated masculinity. The study encouraged reconsidering the
definition of service and the power of student voice. This study contributes to several interwoven threads
of scholarship focusing on the experiences of collegiate males, community
engagement, and masculinity. Results suggest implications for higher education
practitioners to more effectively support the needs of college men as well as
considering new ways to engage more college men in community engagement
activities.
History
Degree Type
- Doctor of Philosophy
Department
- Curriculum and Instruction
Campus location
- West Lafayette