Perceptions of Masculinity among Undergraduate Students in Ethiopia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20372/star.v6i3.407Keywords:
Masculinity, Perceptions, Social construction, Undergraduate studentsAbstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of masculinity among university students. Data were collected from students in Addis Ababa, Wollega and Addis Ababa Science and Technology universities. A total of 21 students (7 from each university) aged 18-25 years were sample data sources. Thematic Analysis approach was used to analyze the data collected through in-depth individual interviews. Qualitative data analysis revealed that several core concepts were embedded in the meanings of masculinity, including a display of risky behaviors, bravery, self-reliance, controlling females, inexpressiveness, recording some achievements in life, etc. From this one can easily understand that the meanings ascribed to ‘being a man’ pointed out above reflected that most participants of the present study, particularly young men endorsed traditional/hegemonic masculinity depicted in the literature. Most literatures reveal that higher levels of traditional masculinity are associated with greater risky health behaviors; hence, it is important to indicate the direction to reduce this barrier. To this end, university educators should provide services that facilitate the expression of all ranges of masculinities, so as to help construct healthy masculinities to enable university men to behave according to their role preferences beyond the pressure of acting in accordance with normative expectations.
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