Document Type
Article
Department or Administrative Unit
Psychology
Publication Date
10-21-2013
Abstract
Research on the relationship between masculinity and intellectual engagement may be helpful in exploring the current challenges of male students in academic settings. Although the traditional male role in Western societies has often included notions of winning, competitiveness, and achievement, there is a growing research literature that documents male struggles with achievement, particularly in academic, intellectual, and occupational domains (Morris, 2011; Rosin, 2010; Sax, 2008a, b). In this study, the relationships between conformity to masculine norms and intellectual engagement were explored in a sample of diverse men in the United States. It was predicted that men who more strongly conformed to masculine norms would demonstrate lower intellectual engagement. As predicted, conformity to masculine norms was significantly predictive of lower intellectual engagement on three of the five constructs measured (Openness to Experience, Intellectual Complexity, and Love of Learning). Conformity to masculine norms was not a significant predictor of Need for Cognition or Curiosity.
Recommended Citation
Marrs, H. (2013). Conformity to Masculine Norms and Intellectual Engagement. Masculinities & Social Change, 2(3), 226–244. https://doi.org/10.4471/mcs.2013.33
Journal
Masculinities and Social Change
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Comments
This article was originally published in Masculinities and Social Change. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.