Residence Life Coordinator – University of South Carolina Masculine Strengths and the Transformative Power of Student Leadership Opportunities Joshua D. Finch Residence Life Coordinator – University of South Carolina

Daniel’s Story Going to college was the first time that Daniel had ever been thrown into a large group of people he didn’t know. So, when he moved into his residence hall Freshmen year he did what so many young men do - he pretended to be someone he wasn’t in order to more secure as a man.

Hegemonic Masculinity Traditional view of masculinity which reinforces the dominance of men over women and other men Two Major Themes: Competition & Dominance Leads to engaging in the high-risk behaviors: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Sexual Violence Hazing and Assault

Generative Masculinity Describes a worldview that emphasizes: Responsibility Desire to Give Back Comfort with the Self Confront and Break Gender Stereotypes Use Individual Strengths for Wellbeing These men tend to be happier, more emotionally grounded, and more successful in and out of the classroom

My Research To investigate how the Resident Assistant position, as a leadership role, affected the masculinity development of ten diverse men RA Position: Community Builder, Policy Enforcer, First Responder, and Peer Educator Framework: Masculinity Development Positive Psychology Social Change Model of Leadership Development

Social Change Model

Individual Characteristics Self-Reliance Courage Commitment Humor

Group Characteristics Men’s Relational Styles Ways of Caring Team Dynamics

Communal Characteristics Provider Tradition Dedication to Service Heroism

Men Building Up Other Men Acceptance of Self Role Modeling Masculinity as Tool

Supporting Our Guys Creating Environment that: Allow Men to think about their own Masculinity Provides a space where they felt comfortable with themselves Allows Men to reflect on Hegemonic Attitudes & Behaviors in other Men Provides the opportunity for Men to step into a Role Modeling Position.

Thank You Joshua D. Finch Residence Life Coordinator – University of South Carolina