Oral Presentations

Student Author Information

Jeffrey Snow, University of LynchburgFollow

Location

Room 215, Schewel Hall

Access Type

Campus Access Only

Entry Number

90

Start Date

4-10-2019 8:30 AM

End Date

4-10-2019 8:45 AM

College

Lynchburg College of Arts and Sciences

Abstract

What role do our social circles have in shaping our perceptions and thoughts of masculinity and sexuality? This question led me to think more deeply about the role that socialization and the internalization of societal norms play in our interpretation of human behavior. Specifically, through socialization we learn to categorize and define certain social behaviors as masculine or feminine, and these behaviors shape our perceptions of gender and sexuality. I seek to discover the ways in which all-male social groups influence those ideas. Specifically, looking at fraternity life and all-male athletic teams. For my study, I formed a survey with the goal of discovering the influence that these social groups have in forming thoughts on masculinity and sexuality.

There is minimal research into how these social groups influence thoughts on masculinity and sexuality. I am interested to see any differences that may be present. This behavior could change based on friend groups, sports teams, fraternity life, and other groups that college men become a part of. This is also important due to the implications it could mean for LGBTQIA+ individuals on campus and campus perceptions of masculinity and sexuality. Answering questions regarding bias, stereotypes, and assumptions is a great first step in eliminating those unwanted and sometimes harmful beliefs.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Dr. Paul McClure
Dr. Beth Savage
Dr. Virginia Cylke
Dr. Chip Walton

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Apr 10th, 8:30 AM Apr 10th, 8:45 AM

How Collegiate Environments Shape Male Perceptions of Masculinity and Sexuality

Room 215, Schewel Hall

What role do our social circles have in shaping our perceptions and thoughts of masculinity and sexuality? This question led me to think more deeply about the role that socialization and the internalization of societal norms play in our interpretation of human behavior. Specifically, through socialization we learn to categorize and define certain social behaviors as masculine or feminine, and these behaviors shape our perceptions of gender and sexuality. I seek to discover the ways in which all-male social groups influence those ideas. Specifically, looking at fraternity life and all-male athletic teams. For my study, I formed a survey with the goal of discovering the influence that these social groups have in forming thoughts on masculinity and sexuality.

There is minimal research into how these social groups influence thoughts on masculinity and sexuality. I am interested to see any differences that may be present. This behavior could change based on friend groups, sports teams, fraternity life, and other groups that college men become a part of. This is also important due to the implications it could mean for LGBTQIA+ individuals on campus and campus perceptions of masculinity and sexuality. Answering questions regarding bias, stereotypes, and assumptions is a great first step in eliminating those unwanted and sometimes harmful beliefs.