Colloquium: The Status of Boyhood Studies

摘要: EDITOR'S NOTE The following are responses to a request the members of our editorial board and contributors Thymos on theme status boyhood studies . twelve contributions take quite different perspectives topic. They raise very questions present distinctive interests. All have trained their scholarly eye what means today. Each points an area work that demands attention those us interested in lives boyhood- as we determine just these notions mean. Suggestions for further reading offered by given at end (p. 147). THE MISSING DISCOURSE ON BOYS' DEVELOPMENT JUDY Y. CHU (STANFORD UNIVERSITY) Recent research boys' development has positioned see boys new way, namely pushing question assumptions about like broaden expectations regarding how it is possible be. For instance, learned boys, active participants learning development, can mediate effects gender socialization. Rather than being passive recipients culture, individual influence developmental outcomes through ways they make meaning cultural messages masculinity respond societal pressures conform. We also know bom with fundamental capacity primary desire close relationships evident during early childhood carry forth adolescence, even though relational capabilities may become more difficult detect over time. Nevertheless, must actively resist pull towards familiar conventional norms masculinity. If goal support healthy relevant lives, important continually strive move beyond stereotypes understand grow up male today's society. Although certain themes remained constant, such need most cultures prove masculinity, specific issues challenges encounter nowadays often differ from were decades or few years ago. therefore conscientious effort update understanding going feel against. Likewise, seek inform models reflect range experiences, consider account group differences among boys. necessary, not sufficient simply include diverse groups samples. There risk evaluating backgrounds according based dominant culture. In order truly appreciate, represent, learn diversity human incorporate process theory-building afterthought theory-testing. To large extent, discourse (along race ethnicity) reduced categorical comparisons (for example, who better worse off, strengths weaknesses each group). Seldom considered which culturally-specific lens individuals perceive perceived others (Bern, 1993) enhance limit person's possibilities self-expression interpersonal engagement. Moreover, there been tendency literature talk one monolithic, unified group. Further needed explore (particularly intersects themselves, interact others, navigate social contexts. It could be argued unnecessary, vast majority past was conducted almost exclusively all-male …