White, Heterosexual, Cisgender Male Experiences with Contemporary Masculinity Language

Studies suggest that rigid adherence to tenets of traditional masculinity (e.g., dominance, restrictive emotionality, aggression) can lead to adverse physical and mental health outcomes in men and marginalized groups (e.g., Burke, 2002; Jampel et al., 2020; Jewkes et al., 2011; Mesler et al., 2022). However, literature demonstrates that many men have an aversion to changing thoughts, values, and behaviors related to traditional masculinity, and that the language used to discuss these changes affects men’s willingness to engage in adopting new perspectives and values (e.g., Smedley & Croffie, 2023; Stein, 2018). Thus, this dissertation focuses on understanding how White, heterosexual, cisgender men experience terminology related to contemporary masculinity. Utilizing a qualitative thematic analysis, the research questions guiding the study were: 1) What are the current experiences and perceptions of language related to traditional masculinity and contemporary masculinity for men in the dominant culture in the United States? 2) What language do men prefer? The researcher’s findings from six in-depth interviews with participants included three major themes and nine subthemes: 1) Perceptions of Terms Used (a. Nuance of Terminology, b. Society’s Perception of the Term is Negative, Different, or Overly Used), 2) Feelings and Emotional Reactions to Terms Used (a. Positive Attitudes Toward Terms, b. Negative Attitudes Toward Terms), and 3) Preferred or Suggested Language (a. Preference for more Specific, Trait-Based Language, b. Preference to Avoid or Get Rid of Politicized or Loaded Terms, c. Preference for Positive, Specific, Constructive Framing, d. Preference to Remove Gendered Language, e. Significant Uncertainty for Preferences Across Participants). An analysis of these findings, implications for practice, and suggestions for future research are also discussed.