abstract: Given the profound influence that schools have on students’ genders and the existing scholarly research in the field of education studies which draws clear implications between practices of schooling and sanctioning and promoting particular gender subjectivities, often in alignment with traditional norms, I conduct a critical ethnography to examine the practices of gender in one eighth grade English language arts (ELA) classroom at an arts-missioned charter school. I do this to explore how ELA instruction at an arts charter school may provide opportunities for students to do gender differently. To guide this dissertation theoretically, I rely on the process philosophy of Erin Manning (2016, 2013, 2007) to examine the processual interactions among of student movement, choreography, materiality, research-creation, language, and art. Thus, methods for this study include field notes, student assignments, interviews and focus groups, student created art, maps, and architectural plans. In the analysis, I attempt to allow the data to live on their own, and I hope to give them voice to speak to the reader in a way that they spoke to me. Some of them speak through ethnodrama; some of them speak through autoethnography, visual art and cartography, and yet others through various transcriptions. Through these modes of analysis, I am thinking-doing-writing. The analysis also includes my thinking with fields – the fields of gender studies, qualitative inquiry, educational research, English education, and critical theory. In an attempt to take to the fields, I weave all of these through each other, through Manning and other theorists and through my ongoing perceptions of event-happenings and what it means to do qualitative research in education. Accordingly, this dissertation engages with the various fields to reconsider how school practices might conceive the ways in which they produce gender, and how students perceive gender within the school space. In this way, the dissertation provides ways of thinking that may unearth what was previously cast aside or uncover possibilities for what was previously unthought. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Educational Leadership and Policy Studies 2019

This research investigates two major organizations that place a focus on masculinities as a strategy to improve gender equality; Instituto Promundo and Sonke Gender Justice. To begin, a literature review of the gendered dynamics and masculinities context in Brazil and South Africa is presented to situate the historical and current landscape of where each organization operates. This thesis research investigates Promundo and Sonke using qualitative document analysis methodology, with a theoretical framework informed by relevant masculinities scholarship and the specific contexts of masculinities in Brazil and South Africa. This approach provides insights into the history, evolution, and application of theoretical perspectives and the organizational structures that influence how masculinities are discussed and practiced when implementing programs in Brazil and South Africa. The research shows that Promundo and Sonke integrate most of the key masculinities themes and key concepts, with a comparative lens of each organization, and highlighting key gaps and why their inclusion has the potential to strengthen each organization’s position as world leaders in masculinities and gender equality.

Feminist research as well as the growing field of ‘Men and Masculinities’ have identified how targeting women and excluding men from development initiatives could have unintended repercussions. As a common tool for development, microfinance is a fitting representation for this emphasis on women. At the same time, Microfinance Investment Funds (MFIFs) have emerged as established actors within the microfinance landscape, and their potential to shape microfinance approaches has been highlighted within literature. This thesis builds upon this previous research to delve into the discourses of MFIFs concerning men and masculinities within the context of microfinance initiatives. Using a theoretical framework that intersects models of empowerment and hegemonic masculinity, the thesis explores the extent to which MFIF discourses incorporate men and masculinities, as well as attempting to explain the presence or absence of these discourses. An analysis reveals that there is mixed alignment with models of empowerment and a lack of discussions concerning men and masculinities.

In Uganda, the constitution provide protection for women´s rights. However, progress is still slow and the situation on household levels are largely unknown. Many focus on the challenges for women when it comes to gender equality, but as there is now a general recognition of the importance to include men in this work, this study aims to focus on men's perceptions and thoughts regarding gender equality, women empowerment, gender roles and social change, to contribute valuable information on this matter. Previous studies have shown signs of male resistance towards gender equality. To best understand the underlying reasons for this resistance, the theory of Hegemonic Masculinities by Connell and Messerschmidt was chosen to analyse the findings. This theory suggests that hierarchies between men, and notions of male ideals, can have an impact on men´s behaviour. A field study was conducted in rural Uganda which used the methods of individual interviews and focus group discussions, targeting men in different ages and socio-economic backgrounds. The questions asked regarded the roles for men and women, how the roles are changing, their perception of gender equality and the impact of women empowerment on gender relations, all with a focus on house hold level. These answers were complemented by key respondents on both local and national level. The main results of this study shows that there seems to be a general change in the role for women, but the male ideal is still tied to being the provider and leader in the family. Gender equality was in somewhat contradictory viewed as something good that could lead to development, as long as the men could remain higher in status than women. Lastly, many men seemed worried about women empowerment leading to disrespect, arguments and divorce, even though some benefits also were recognized. These findings indicate that “universal ideas” of gender equality have a wide range of local interpretations that needs to be taken into consideration when promoting gender equality in a development context.

This thesis investigates the role of masculinities on men’s sexual and reproductive health in Botswana. Botswana is currently in the throes of a severe heterosexually driven HIV/AIDS epidemic that has eroded some of the developmental gains the country had achieved since independence. A unique feature of Botswana’s HIV epidemic is the rapid and phenomenal increase in infection and prevalence rates in the face of good levels of knowledge of HIV prevention and an early and comprehensive HIV prevention strategy that guaranteed access to free HIV prevention and treatment services, including ARV treatment. The lack of effectiveness of the country’s HIV efforts and subsequent increase in infection rates have been blamed on men’s risky sexual behavior and lack of support of their partners’ decisions to utilize these services. In fact, quantitative studies on men’s sexual behavior and HIV such as the Botswana AIDS Impact Surveys show that men are less likely to use VCT services and more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior that increases risk of HIV infection to themselves and their partners. While studies provide the evidence that implicates men in the rapid growth Botswana’s HIV epidemic, the studies provide little or no explanation of factors that motivate men’s behavior in reproductive health. This lack of insights on factors that motivate men’s behavior leads to stereotypes about male promiscuity and may contribute to the lack of effectiveness of HIV prevention strategies. The current HIV epidemic has thus thrust heterosexual masculinities at the centre of HIV prevention efforts and provides an opportunity for research to interrogate the role of heterosexual masculinities in reproductive health, especially HIV transmission and prevention. The thesis employs qualitative data to provide in-depth appreciation of the prevalent masculine norms and beliefs and to highlight contextual factors and processes that shape and give rise to various masculinities. It further uses quantitative data to provide measures of levels of men’s masculine and gender role beliefs that may influence HIV prevention and transmission and to test the association between masculinities and men’s sexual and reproductive health attitudes and practices. The results show that men’s sense of identity is socially constructed, and revolves around the notion of superiority to women, independence and having and being in control of the family. However, men face many challenges to the realization of this masculine ideal. Men’s perceived difficulty or failure to live up to socially constructed Men, Masculinities and Sexual and Reproductive Health in Botswana vii notions of masculinities affects their experience of sexual and reproductive health programs, especially women’s empowerment and HIV prevention programs. By their nature, these programs tend to challenge men’s dominance of women’s decision on sexuality, and are therefore experienced as a threat to some men’s sense of identity. Quantitative results indicate an association between masculinities and sexual and reproductive health. While men’s sense of masculinities is not the overriding factor determining their sexual and reproductive health attitudes and practices, the results show a strong association traditional masculine beliefs and negative sexual and reproductive health beliefs and practices. However, there is also strong evidence that men and masculinities are responding to contextual factors, such as the HIV epidemic, which has become a specific stress on the local construction of masculinities. In focus group discussions, many men challenged traditional masculine norms, beliefs and practices that increase their vulnerability to HIV infection and those that either encourage or condone violence within intimate relationships. Significantly high proportions of men had positive attitudes towards HIV prevention programs. It is evident that now more than ever (and thanks to the HIV/AIDS epidemic) many men are ready to question the predominant masculine norms, beliefs and practices that increase their vulnerability to infection and disease. These voices of change represent a window of opportunity for research and programs can meaningfully engage with men and masculinities on issues of sexuality, gender roles, sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention and transmission. There is need for future research and interventions to move away from focusing exclusively on individual models of preventive health behaviors to more multilevel, cultural and contextual explanations. Taking account of multilevel, cultural and contextual factors that shape masculinities and men’s sense of identity will ensure increased effectiveness of sexual and reproductive health programs, especially HIV/AIDS prevention programs. On the other hand, failure to account for cultural and contextual factors that shape individuals’ behavior will only ensure that the shortcomings of such intervention program will continue to be blamed on the individual.

The present study set out to explore how male university students perceive their involvement in gender studies and how this intersects with their masculine identities. The research was a qualitative one and semi-structured individual interviews were used to collect data from ten Humanities postgraduate students attending a large, urban university comprising men who do gender studies and those who do not. Two key informants were also interviewed for the study. Qualitative thematic content analysis was employed to analyse the data collected; these reflected themes that bordered around the men and their identities, gender equality, engagement in gender studies, and changing attitudes towards observable gender transformation. In comparing the responses of both categories of men, an inference made was that, although the men mostly expressed positive attitudes towards engagement in gender studies, there does not seem to be a direct relationship between exposing men to gender studies courses or not, and changes in perception towards gender relations. This was evidenced by the fact that both groups of men predominantly upheld traditional hegemonic ideals of masculinity through displays of complicit, accommodating and defensive masculinities amidst a couple of progressive representations. The study affirms the thesis that masculinity is socially constructed based on the contradictory manner in which the men spoke about their identities. This reaffirms the essentiality of speaking about men in diverse ways and rejecting any notions of singularity. Key words: Gender studies, masculinity, hegemonic masculinity, masculinities, university men, changing attitudes

The provider-role continues to be strongly linked to ideas of manhood even in the era where family and work roles have changed. This is mainly because society continues to esteem notions of hegemonic masculinities that reduce men to a single role of providing. Such a discourse is problematic however, especially during the quandary of unemployment that South Africa finds itself. With this in mind, men find themselves battling not only with the stigma arising from their inability to perform manhood (providing) but also with the harsh labour market that refuses them the means to perform this role. As a consequence, men suffer often undiagnosed depression leading to suicide, harmful behaviour and loss of hope for a better future. Through the qualitative research approach, this study adopted the Social Identity Theory, the Eco-systems Approach as well as the Functionalism Theory towards exploring the effects of strong identification with the idea of man as provider on the psychosocial wellbeing of black men during unemployment. Individual interviews were conducted with twenty-two young men aged between 18 and 35 from Soweto as well as three social workers who were previously placed as student social workers with the Ipelegeng Youth Leadership and Development Programme. Through the use of the thematic content analysis, this study found that young men identified with the provider role and therefore participated in informal work under hazardous conditions in order to fulfil this role. Where the men failed to fulfil the provider role, communities often ridiculed and shamed them leading them to feeling stressed and depressed. The study also found that the young men were not utilising psychosocial services; owing to the notions of traditional masculinities; general lack of services and perceived ineffectiveness of programs. This report thus concludes that interventions that are tailored to tackle men’s problems should be developed and be made widely available, being stringently cognisant of contextual cultural dynamics however.

This research explored how white professional men talk about masculinities and their own masculine construction. The study was qualitative in nature and the data was collected via 10 semi-structured individual interviews. Qualitative content analysis was utilized whereby key themes were identified and discussed. Men in relation to self identity, women, emotions, the work environment, and the changing social context reflected the key themes that were evident in the study. These themes explored men in relation to a variety of issues and thus highlighted the multitude of influences which are thought to impact on masculine identity. Various responses from the participants based on defensive, accommodating, and progressive discourses were evident throughout and this further illustrated the diverse and complex nature of masculinities. One of the most relevant conclusions to stem from this study was that although masculine representation seems to be changing in particular spheres, certain hegemonic aspects of masculinity seem to permeate professional men’s discourses. This research highlights and explores the multiplicity of masculine and refutes the notion of masculinity being a singularly fixed concept. The social construction of masculinity is thus affirmed. Various contesting viewpoints are elicited that indicate the complex and, at times, contradictory nature of masculine construction.

Thesis advisor: Mary J. Hughes / Based on the current sociological views of gender, this paper will examine the various constructs of femininities and masculinities as observed in stream of consciousness fiction. Using Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse and William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury, one can view the interactions of pressures which establish characters' resistance or acceptance of gender roles. Because of their narrative styles, both Woolf and Faulkner provide perspectives which would normally be concealed. The characters will be organized and analyzed based upon their generations and genders, concluding with aspects of both novels which do not fit into this schema. These "complications" also bear heavily on the implications of gender in both novels, highlighting the authors' individual intentions in writing. / Thesis (BA) — Boston College, 2008. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: College Honors Program.

Esta dissertação tem como objetivo explorar uma reação ao sofrimento gerado pela discriminação e exclusão social de lésbicas, gays, bissexuais, travestis e transexuais numa igreja cristã protestante: a Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia. É uma pesquisa de caráter exploratório, realizada através da etnografia virtual de uma rede social digital chamada SDA KINSHIP, formada por membros e exmembros da Igreja Adventista do Sétimo Dia que têm alguma relação com a comunidade LGBT. Tem foco na descrição e análise da criação de espaços que permitem a expressão de masculinidades não hegemônicas que não são permitidas no espaço religioso. Esta investigação procurou interpretar o sofrimento social de sujeitos frente às masculinidades não hegemônicas e ações de resistência frente às relações de poder presentes num ambiente institucional que mantém discursos de exclusão e opressão social. Observouse que a criação de um espaço de acolhimento promove a construção de um conceito de masculinidade que extrapola os limites da conduta masculina pregados nos meios tradicionais, e é concretizada por atos de solidariedade e aceitação da variabilidade do que pode ser o homem. A resposta ao sofrimento social observada foi a de resistências sutis, que se demonstram na simples existência, manutenção e permanência deste grupo acompanhando os passos da igreja pelas margens. Alguns laços de identidade em comum foram percebidos entre os grupos, sendo o grupo de estudo reprodutor de alguns discursos ainda que de forma mais aberta a aceitar o diferente. O corpo teve grande importância nas discussões sobre as masculinidades e foi o palco em que as ideologias sobre o gênero e sexualidade se confrontaram. / This study explored a response to the social suffering caused by discrimination and social exclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in a Protestant Christian church: The Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Its an exploratory survey, made through a virtual ethnography of a digital social network called SDA KINSHIP, formed by members and former members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church that have some relationship with the LGBT community. It focused on the description and analysis of a space that allows the expressions of non-hegemonic masculinities that are not allowed in the religious space. This research tried to interpret the social suffering felt by men with nonhegemonic masculinities and their resistance actions against power relations in an institutional environment that creates discourses of exclusion and social oppression. It was observed that the creation of a welcoming environment promotes the construction of a concept of masculinity that goes beyond the limits of the male behavior based on a traditional background, and is acted by behaviors of solidarity and acceptance of the male diversity. It was observed that their response to the social suffering relies on a subtle resistance, which is its own existence, or its survival moving along in the margins of the churchs paths. Some identity bonds were seen between the groups, as SDA KINSHIP reproduces some ideas from the church in a more acceptant way. The male body had great importance in the discussions of masculinity and it was the place where the ideologies about gender and sexuality were confronted.