Masculine Identity and Campus Life

Over the past several decades, understandings of manhood and masculinity have evolved considerably in the United States. This project analyzes the way in which young adults at Union College position themselves vis-à-vis these changing ideals. It is based on extensive interviews and surveys carried out with members of fraternal organizations at Union College. Specifically, the research asked participants to address their own understanding of manhood and how it complimented or diverged from the national conversation about “toxic masculinity.” In this presentation, I will be addressing the some of the patterns of discourse that emerged in the course of this study. I draws on theories of gender and identity developed in psychology and anthropology to understand some of the deep and yet unspoken divisions among young men within the student body.