Exploring the impact of identity on the experiences of entry-level men in student affairs

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Daniel W. Calhoun (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Deborah Taub

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of men at the entry-level of the student affairs profession. Using the concepts found in the existing literature related to gender identity as a framework, the research was focused upon the meanings constructed by entry-level men within the field of student affairs and how those meanings are similar to or different from the societal definitions of masculinity. The study consisted of 22 entry-level men currently working in the field of student affairs. Participants took part either in individual interviews (n=18) or a focus group (n=4) and discussed their experiences being a man in the student affairs workplace. Careful attention was paid to the perceived identity of entry-level men in student affairs in an effort to uncover any relationships between this identity and their experiences in the field. In addition, particular consideration was placed upon the ways in which these entry-level men in student affairs defined their roles and the ways in which they negotiated their identity. Results indicated these entry-level men in student affairs identified with three distinct roles: Traditional Man, Leader/Mentor, and World Changer. In addition, according to participants, relationships and environmental factors have an impact on the experiences of this population. The level of support that an entry-level man receives, particularly from male mentors, has a large impact on his experience and potentially on his decision to remain in the field. Findings revealed that these men make meaning based upon their day-to-day activities, the contextual environment, and from traditional societal norms. Addition findings include strategies used by this population to negotiate their identity within student affairs.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2010
Keywords
Entry-level, Gender role, Identity, Male, Men, Student affairs
Subjects
Student affairs administrators $x Job satisfaction.
Men $x Attitudes.
Gender Identity.
Masculinity.

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