Culture and masculinities: influencing young men and boys- a study in New Delhi
Student name: Ms Nupur Lalchandani
Guide: Dr Papiya Guha Mazumdar
Year of completion: 2015
Host Organisation: Centre for Health and Social Justice
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Ms Rimjhim Jain
Abstract: This exploratory study sets forth is to identify various factors of culture influencing masculinities in young men and boys by following a descriptive research paradigm. Firstly, 120 students at secondary level education were purposively selected for the primary data collection; questionnaires were used for this part of the study. In depth interviews with teachers and families within the household level and, participant observation was used for further understanding of the relationship between formation of masculinities and culture. A thematic analysis was being done to analyze the data. The paper takes concept of Morgan’s (1992) assertion on the view that ‘the masculine’ and ‘the feminine’ signify a range of culturally defined characteristics assignable to both men and women; this The purpose of this study is to analyze the ways in which boys negotiated masculinities and learned to ‘become men’ in their everyday lives. Secondly, set of 5 Focus Group Discussions were conducted in five schools with 6 students each (n=30) to make available a baseline study of existing attitudes, knowledge and practices prevalent of men and women around the following themes: male identity, gender roles, masculinities and gender relations at school level. The descriptive results of the survey are being considered as complementary data for validating the findings of the thematic analysis. The study identifies Schools (educational institutions), culture (within the household) and Media to be linked to the shaping of masculinities in young men and boys in the context of Delhi/ NCR Region. Identifying the influencing factors of Masculinities in young men and boys is of particular interest to engage men and boys in the gender equality process.
Key Words: Masculinity, Culture, Influence, Gender Equality, Schools and Media
