| To fill the gap in the current literature on African American men, this quantitative study examined within-group differences between African American men's norms of masculinity. Through integrating the conceptual lenses of the structured action, relational, and empathy theories, the current investigation examined the connections between African American men's adherence to traditional and modern norms of masculinity, their experience of racism, social location, and empathic orientation. The present study consisted of a series of secondary analyses of data collected by the research team of Dr. Jacqueline Mattis. Data from 96 of the 171 men was analyzed as this subset represented men of the working age.; Research finding indicated the following: First, African American men's norms of masculinity constitute a diverse, rather than a uniform, set of standards that govern men's actions. Men's norms of masculinity can be divided in two broad categories: modern and traditional. Second, college-educated men demonstrated a lower level of adherence to traditional norms of masculinity than their less educated peers. Third, older and more financially successful African American men reported a greater tendency to take another person's perspective than their younger and lower income peers. Fourth, a strong relationship emerged between modern norms of masculinity and affective sharing, as well as between modern norms and perspective-taking. Fifth, there was no connection between traditional norms and either perspective-taking or affective sharing. Sixth, affective sharing was the best predictor of men's adherence to modern norms. Seventh, level of education was the best predictor of men's adherence to traditional norms. Eight, men's adherence to modern masculinity norms was the best predictor of men's affective sharing. Finally, age, income, level of education, daily experience of racism, affective sharing, and adherence to traditional and modern norms of masculinity were predictive of men's perspective-taking.; The findings suggest a need to develop research studies that would continue to examine African American men's norms of masculinity in the context of men's interpersonal and social experiences. Implications for theory, research, and counseling were also discussed. |
