Constructing the Black Masculine: Identity and Ideality in African American Men's Literature 1775-1995 (review)

Through a qualitative study of the reintegration experiences of African American men, aged 18–25, we heed Fader and Traylor’s call for intersectional analyses of desistance and reentry. The current study draws from prior works to analyze the processes of “adultification” among economically disadvantaged African American young men and the impact of postincarceration employment challenges on masculine identity during young adulthood. We extend earlier research by incorporating the perspectives of family members, allowing for an in-depth examination of the processes that occur during the postrelease transition to adulthood and the complications that may emanate from families. Our findings allow us to explicate an intersectional reintegration process in light of early adultification processes, particularly relating to employment and family relationships. We highlight the overlay of adultification processes for disadvantaged youth, their subsequent offending, the multilayered and intersectional challenges of reintegration, and how they overcome these challenges. The implications for an intersectional approach to reentry are discussed.

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Masculine Identity and HIV/AIDS Risk Behavior among African-American Men

Practicing Anthropology ◽

10.17730/praa.30.1.364003t536616278 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 30 (1) ◽

pp. 12-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jon Poehlman

Keyword(s):

African American ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

African American Men ◽

Sexual Contact ◽

Masculine Identity ◽

Heterosexual Contact ◽

Gender Ideals ◽

Aids Risk ◽

The U.S ◽

Hiv Aids

There is a need for research that contributes to our understanding of how culturally shared gender ideals and expectations about men's behaviors influence HIV/AIDS risk. In the U.S., there has been a particular focus on masculinity among heterosexual, African-American men (see Wright 1993). African-American men, between 2001 and 2004, accounted for the greatest percentage of new cases of HIV/AIDS among males (44%), as well as 66% of all cases of heterosexual contact, with heterosexual contact being the second most common route of HIV transmission among this group after male to male sexual contact (CDC 2006).

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Renegotiating Masculine Identity After Prostate Cancer Treatment

Qualitative Health Research ◽

10.1177/1049732308326813 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 1609-1620 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Sally L. Maliski ◽

Steve Rivera ◽

Sarah Connor ◽

Griselda Lopez ◽

Mark S. Litwin

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

African American ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Low Income ◽

African American Men ◽

Early Experience ◽

Masculine Identity ◽

Prostate Cancer Treatment ◽

Descriptive Model ◽

American Black

Because little is known about how low-income Latino and African American men attribute meaning and adapt to prostate cancer treatment —related symptoms relative to masculine identity, in this study we sought to develop a descriptive model of this process. Using qualitative methods, 60 Latino and 35 African American/Black men were interviewed by language- and ethnicity-matched male interviewers using a semistructured guide. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Spanish transcripts were rigorously translated to produce English transcripts. Analysis using grounded theory techniques found that men constructed masculine identities that were influenced by early experience, challenged by several factors including prostate cancer treatment, and underwent a renegotiation process that resulted in the maintenance of their identity as men. Development and testing of interventions that support this process will facilitate the adaptation process for men in a culturally relevant manner.

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