“We’re Still Here . . . We’re Not Giving Up”

Abstract

Objective: This study examines masculinity in a manner commensurate with established feminist frameworks to deconstruct a patriarchal system that ill-serves both men and women. Method: We utilized standpoint theory and narrative analysis to examine longitudinal, qualitative data from first-year Black and Latino males as they transition into community college through their second semester. Findings: Positionality is critical to understanding the success of Black and Latino males and their response to institutional structures. In many instances, men leveraged normative constructions of masculinity as aids to their success, and their resilience and confidence were filtered through their perceived development into adults. Conclusion: Implications for practice include the creation of spaces for men to talk about what it means to be a man in college and ways to influence men to make the most of resources when proffered, even if they tend to avoid seeking them out on their own. Further research should seek to understand how men develop and evolve their concepts of masculinity as well as how and to what extent spaces for men actually work to dismantle hegemonic masculinity.

"I Just Feel Like I Have to Duke It Out by Myself": How Latino Men Cope with Academic and Personal Obstacles During College

“…Finally, we suspect that concepts of maschismo, or exaggerated Latino male pride, and masculinity played into participants' over-involvement on campus and relationship to peer groups as well as the way these students chose to cope with academic and social obstacles (Bukoski & Hatch, 2015;Huerta & Fishman, 2014;Levant & Kopecky, 1996;Saenz at al., 2013Saenz at al., , 2015. Previous literature on Latino masculinity (Bukoski & Hatch, 2015;Huerta & Fishman, 2014;Levant & Kopecky, 1996;Saenz et al, 2013) has shown that pride and machismo may also have complex effects on how Latino men students navigate and cope with the collegiate environment. The way some participants internally reframed their challenges as fighting with themselves is a particular instance of the influence of masculinity on the coping responses of Latino men that warrants further investigation.…”

“…Many families' limited knowledge of the American college system coupled with cultural expectations of male responsibilities to financially contribute to their families also deter many Latino men from enrolling in college (Saenz & Ponjuan, 2009). In addition, literature on Latino masculinity (Bukoski & Hatch, 2015;Huerta & Fishman, 2014;Levant & Kopecky, 1996;Saenz et al, 2013) has shown that pride and machismo may also have complex effects on how Latino men students navigate and cope with the collegiate environment. As such, exploring coping responses to the unique academic and personal obstacles that Latino men face in higher education may provide new implications on how college structures may support these students.…”

“…Given the intersections of their multiple identities, Latino men may encounter unique, intersectional experiences in which they must negotiate and cope their college experiences within the context of their racial/ethnic and gender identities. In recent years, researchers have examined college men around issues such as coping, gender socialization, identity development, and masculinity (Bukoski & Hatch, 2015;Gloria, Castellanos, Scull, & Villegas, 2009;Harper, 2008;Harper & Harris, 2010;Lu, 2015;Saenz, Bukoski, Lu, & Rodriguez, 2013;Saenz, Mayo, Miller, & Rodriguez, 2015).…”

The Persistence and Success of Latino Men in Community College

“…While scholars have explored why Latinx men underperform in higher education, much of this work has focused on notions of identity conflicts (Bukoski & Hatch, 2016) and limited social capital (Saenz & Ponjuan, 2015). Bukoski and Hatch (2016) examined how Latinx men transition to community college from high school and how their positionality and identity is critical to understanding their academic success. The study found that Latinx men in community college are reluctant to ask for help and have trouble balancing responsibilities.…”

Presidential Leadership: Improving Completion Rates of Latino Male Students at Texas Community Colleges

“…For the purpose of this study, we focused on the perceptions of the community college presidents about Latino male degree completion. Based on the literature, this construct is a critical educational milestone for Latino male students because they encounter many challenges that may inhibit them from completing a college credential or degree (Bukoski & Hatch, 2016;Gonzalez, 2015;Sáenz & Ponjuan, 2009). …”