Theory and research on gender are always precarious.

Abstract

Scientific and social values are inevitably embedded in any scholarship, but theory and research on gender can be particularly precarious given the contextual and constitutive nature of gendered experiences. We consider the body of research on precarious manhood from a broader perspective on values and goals in theory and research on gender. We address not only the internal validity of research on precarious manhood, but also its potential broader social implications. We begin by summarizing a functional-contextual epistemic perspective on research and scholarship in the psychology of men and explain how it can be useful for evaluating programs of research. This leads to three sets of questions regarding the role of assumptions about the nature of gender within research on precarious manhood, before the research is conducted, and afier the research has been disseminated. An alternative approach to studying the precariousness of gender is offered to promote the deconstruction of gender stereotypes.

Sexual orientation, bullying for being labeled gay or bisexual, and steroid use among US adolescent boys

“…Within the study of men and masculinity, harassment of heterosexual boys based on sexual orientation may exacerbate a sense that one’s masculinity is tenuous and must be earned and maintained via gender conformity, consistent with the precarious manhood paradigm (Vandello et al, 2008). Numerous experimental studies have indicated that insults to men’s sense of masculinity result in increases in aggression and other forms of attempts to reassert masculinity (Addis and Schwab, 2013; Bosson et al, 2009; Kroeper et al, 2014; Weaver et al, 2010, 2013). Pursuant to AAS, muscularity has been found to be thought of as a defining characteristic of masculinity among boys and young men, and is also associated with other social markers of masculinity (e.g.…”

Building the scientific basis of the psychological study of men and masculinity.

“…The recent review article on precarious manhood by Vandello and Bosson (2013), for instance, may gamer citations from articles on gender and social status. Thus, any citations generated by the three commentaries accompanying Vandello and Bosson's review (Addis & Schwab, 2013;Chrisler, 2013a;Heesacker & Snowden, 2013) can be seen as "bonus points. Thus, any citations generated by the three commentaries accompanying Vandello and Bosson's review (Addis & Schwab, 2013;Chrisler, 2013a;Heesacker & Snowden, 2013) can be seen as "bonus points.…”

Getting along or ahead: Effects of gender identity threat on communal and agentic self‐presentations

“…Additionally, along with the focus on masculinity treat, the outcome measures in previous studies have largely been restricted to male‐typed activities and tasks. This leaves open the possibility that women also compensate for threats to their gender identity, but that they do so in other domains than men (Addis & Schwab, ). The focus on primarily masculine domains may result in hasty conclusions of women as less susceptible to gender identity threats.…”