Becoming a Man: Contemporary Experiences of Achieving Manhood
Date
2014-05-06
Authors
Klath, Cory Jason
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Abstract
This novel study explores the catalytic experiences that demarcate the achievement of
manhood and the means by which the participants knew this transition had occurred. Its
significance is in its unique findings and contribution to a largely unexplored topic in the
research literature. Qualitative methodologies, including narrative interviewing and thematic analysis, were used. Ten individuals were interviewed and asked to tell the story of when they became men and how they knew. Thematic findings include experiences that led to gaining attributes associated with self-reliance and changes related to fathers or fatherhood. The participants uniformly reported that the significance was known by virtue of experiencing a distinct ‘felt sense.’ Social validation was also noted as a key feature. Further research is recommended including the exploration of this same issue with specific populations and groups, with the larger goal of enhancing the current understanding of these issues by encouraging
further dialog in effort to explore the meanings associated with manhood in the contemporary context.
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Keywords
becoming a man, manhood achievement, masculine identity, men