The Measure of a Man: Conceptualizations of Masculinity among High- Achieving African American Male College Students

Abstract

This study examines within-group alternative conceptualizations of masculinity among African American men on university campuses. Individual interviews were conducted with 32 high-achieving African American male undergraduates at six predominantly White research universities in the Midwest. Findings indicate that unconventional definitions of masculinity, when coupled with active campus involvement and leadership in minority student organizations, are deemed acceptable by uninvolved undergraduate men and help promote healthy masculine identities for African American male student leaders. Implications and recommendations for university administrators are offered at the end of the article. Previous inquiry confirms that a healthy, conflict-free masculine identity leads to a strong self-concept and positive outcomes in a wide array of areas, including academics (Gilbert and Gilbert 1998; Price 2000). Despite this, little attention has been given to exploring identity