1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Social Change Model

7. Individual Characteristics
Self-Reliance
Courage
Commitment
Humor

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

9. Communal Characteristics
Provider Tradition
Dedication to Service
Heroism

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

11. 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.

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