College Men and Masculinities: Why College Men and Students Do Antisexist Work on Campus

Date of Award

5-11-2025

Date Published

June 2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Cultural Foundations of Education

Advisor(s)

Daila Rodriguez

Keywords

Allyship;Intersectionality;Masculinity;Primary Prevention;Violence Prevention

Subject Categories

Education

Abstract

Abstract: This qualitative study explores the motivations, experiences, and meaning-making processes of 28 college men and sexual and gender minority students across three campuses in the Eastern U.S. that do anti-sexist and anti-violence work on campus. I grounded this study theoretically in Intersectionality, Progressive Black Masculinity Studies, and Critical Studies of Men and Masculinities. The research examined how male-identified and gender non-binary students involved in student organizations—Men Against Violence (MAV), Students Advocating Violence Education and Support (SAVES), and Men Stopping Rape (MSR)—understood their roles as gender justice advocates within higher education. Through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and case studies, this dissertation revealed how personal relationships, exposure to gender-based violence, mentorship, primary prevention, and campus culture shaped students' engagement. Findings highlighted the tensions participants experienced while managing hegemonic masculinity, the importance of community and accountability in sustaining allyship, and the challenges of navigating profeminist performative expectations. Participants described growth through discomfort, often reconfiguring their understanding of manhood, power, and social responsibility. This study contributed to the literature on college masculinities by centering the voices of those actively resisting patriarchal norms and domination broadly. It also reflects the methodological insights of a Black profeminist scholar-practitioner who has worked on campuses as an advisor, advocate, compliance officer, and volunteered for service agencies. The findings offer insights to engage college students in equity-based violence prevention. Institutional support, intersectional programming, and reflexive leadership development are necessary to affirm college men and students’ prevention and allyship.

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