Event Title

Time for the Talk: Conversations on Masculinity and Manhood with Male Youth

Location

BF Goodrich

Type of Presentation

50 minute presentation

Audience Type

High school students, High school teachers or counselors, College students, High school parents, College parents

Description

Abstract

At a time when American male youth are maturing earlier than in previous decades and Black male youth are developing physically more rapidly than White or Latino boys, (9.14 years compared to 10.14 for Whites and 10.4 years for Latinos)( Herman-Giddens et al., 2012) parents and guardians often overlook the importance of communicating with male children about puberty and social development. These first signs of sexual maturation (e.g., genital growth, pubic hair, testicular growth) usher in a host of psychosocial concerns that influence future experiences of these children. Failure to interact with males during this crucial period about meanings and consequences of biological changes can result in missed opportunities to establish proper norms and standards of masculinity and behavioral expectations for manhood. Male youth need adult guidance and relevant information to assist with decision-making to enhance longevity and well-being in interpersonal, academic and career realms. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss communication strategies and introduce topics that require attention before and during puberty based on the experiences of adult Black males in American culture. Particular attention will be given to environments in which Black male youth are situated that compound problems of masculine development (e.g., father absent families).

Key Words: masculinity, sexual maturation, manhood, communication, African Americans, males, conversation, development

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Time for the Talk: Conversations on Masculinity and Manhood with Male Youth

BF Goodrich

Abstract

At a time when American male youth are maturing earlier than in previous decades and Black male youth are developing physically more rapidly than White or Latino boys, (9.14 years compared to 10.14 for Whites and 10.4 years for Latinos)( Herman-Giddens et al., 2012) parents and guardians often overlook the importance of communicating with male children about puberty and social development. These first signs of sexual maturation (e.g., genital growth, pubic hair, testicular growth) usher in a host of psychosocial concerns that influence future experiences of these children. Failure to interact with males during this crucial period about meanings and consequences of biological changes can result in missed opportunities to establish proper norms and standards of masculinity and behavioral expectations for manhood. Male youth need adult guidance and relevant information to assist with decision-making to enhance longevity and well-being in interpersonal, academic and career realms. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss communication strategies and introduce topics that require attention before and during puberty based on the experiences of adult Black males in American culture. Particular attention will be given to environments in which Black male youth are situated that compound problems of masculine development (e.g., father absent families).

Key Words: masculinity, sexual maturation, manhood, communication, African Americans, males, conversation, development