Phase Two

After surveying my students to find out what they thought about men and women, I began to observe four of my boys. I chose these boys because they exhibited what I believed to be masculine tendencies and they had the most problems in and outside of the classroom. Jay is from a two parent home and is the oldest of four. He is ten years old and big for his age. His father is a welder and his mother works for the local hospital. Jay has commented that his father told him not to allow anyone to mess with him and if someone does, take care of it. Jay walks around the classroom making his presence know. He doesn't initiate conflict, but he doesn't back down either. He often intimidates by invading other people's space. When he doesn't want to do what I ask, he looks at me and turns his head and says, "I don't want to." When I respond, he ignores me until I say, "Do I need to call your Dad?" Once I have asked the question, he becomes grudgingly compliant. According to my research, Jay's behavior is a exhibition of hegemonic masculinity. Hegemonic masculinity is masculinity that is socially expected , accepted and supported by society. In our culture the some of the characteristics that are linked to hegemonic masculinity are defiance, aggressiveness, strength, macho ism and self-reliance. Nate is a boy who has been in the foster system because his mom is in jail. He is quiet, but does not tolerate anyone messing with him or his friends. He is often defiant and rebellious toward my direction. He often states that he doesn't need anyone or anything and that he can take care of himself. He now lives with family members and tries hard to please them. When I mention contacting them he silently cries, but he stands up straight and tall and looks me dead in the eyes. It is as if he's saying I can handle whatever you're dishing out. His behavior is also characteristic of hegemonic masculinity. I'll talk about the final two in the next post.