Hawaiian male adolescent students' perceptions of masculinity

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2014-05

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University of Hawaii at Manoa

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American culture has failed to guide a boy's transition from boyhood to manhood. This case study examined the experiences of Hawaiian adolescent male students at Cleveland High School about how they construct their perceptions of masculinity. This study had three research objectives: (1) to investigate Hawaiian male adolescent students' perceptions of masculinity in general and Hawaiian masculinity. (2) to investigate how school experiences and teachers at Cleveland High School influence Hawaiian adolescent boys perceptions of masculinity, and (3) to investigate how Hawaiian adolescent male students use the media to construct their perceptions of masculinity. Five interviews were conducted and then converted into life histories. Additionally, thirty-two Hawaiian adolescent male students answered an open-ended handout regarding masculinity. Jones, Torres, Arminio's (2006) constructivist theory was used as the theoretical framework. The findings revealed that Hawaiian adolescent males believed a man is one who has a job, mature, responsible and takes care of others. A Hawaiian man is one who defends their family, a good father and provides for his family. The hula and having tattoos are manly because of their cultural significance. Hawaiian boys believed their school climate influenced their perceptions due to their participation in high school sports, Flex-off, and male teachers. The boys were aware of the media's influence but its influence varied. The boys felt that the media taught them to be a gentleman, to follow their dreams and the importance of taking care of their family. This study provides insight into helping boys become successful men.

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Masculinity in popular culture, Teenage boys--Attitudes, Hawaiian teenagers

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Hawaii

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Theses for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (University of Hawaii at Manoa). Education.

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