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“He is so gay!”: Hostile Masculine Theme Expressions in a Middle School Context |
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Presented by: Dr. J. H. Bickford III, Eastern Illinois University |
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| Course Description: | |
| This presentation will examine how socially powerful (or hegemonic) adolescent boys performed various masculine “themes”, usually based on competition, physicality, misogyny or homophobia. Adolescent boys construct and express these masculine themes for various purposes (i.e. to extol their own abilities; to scorn an “other”, those not performing acceptable masculinity and heterosexuality; to solidify their hierarchical position among peers; to remove doubtful perceptions about their own masculinity and heterosexuality; to express admiration for a female peer). My research indicates that male and female students are both targeted by and, at times, quite supportive of socially powerful (or hegemonic) adolescent boys’ masculine theme expressions. These masculine theme expressions take many forms, are at times imperceptible to teachers, and can adversely affect both the classroom context and the school environment. This presentation identifies masculine theme expressions, their purposes and possibilities. It explores how teachers can constructively challenge (and enable students to resist) hostile masculine theme expressions to favorably impact all involved. | |
| Grade Level(s): 5-12 | Content Area(s): Other: Gender, Masculinity, and Social Groups |
| Session: 3 or 4 | Room #: 305 |
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