Understanding the Experiences of Ethnoculturally Diverse Boys

Healthy Relationships Approaches in Educational Settings

in Boyhood Studies
Author:
Caroline Claussen Research Scientist, University of Calgary, Canada ccclauss@ucalgary.ca

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Jordan Keough Research Assistant, University of Calgary, Canada jordan.keough1@ucalgary.ca

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Ceilidh McConnell PhD Student, University of Calgary, Canada ceilidh.mcconnell@ucalgary.ca

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Stefan Lewis Master of Arts, University of Calgary, Canada

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Deinera Exner-Cortens Assistant Professor, University of Calgary, Canada deinera.exner2@ucalgary.ca

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3167/bhs.2023.160203
Keywords:
adolescents; gender; intersectionality; healthy relationships; qualitative methods
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Abstract

While targeting boys early in adolescence with healthy relationships programs in educational settings has shown to be promising in promoting supportive and violence-free relationships, these programs have not meaningfully considered the impact of intersecting identities on program design and delivery. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the lived experiences of boys positioned at specific intersections of gender, race, and ethnicity and how this understanding can inform future healthy relationships program design in educational settings. The findings show that racially and ethnoculturally diverse boys navigate racial and ethnic stereotypes in their schools and communities, impacting the way they navigate relationships. Our recommendations include fully integrating content on diversity (rather than specialized diversity units) and having facilitators with similar lived experiences lead programming in order for healthy relationships programs to connect with and engage with a broader diversity of youth.

Contributor Notes

Caroline Claussen is a Research Scientist at the University of Calgary. Her research focuses on understanding the intersections between youth, masculinity, and sexual health. ccclauss@ucalgary.ca

Jordan Keough is a research assistant in the HOPELab at the University of Calgary. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in psychology in 2022 and is currently completing her Masters of Science in counselling psychology. Jordan's research focuses on men and masculinities, fringe online subcultures, and biphobia. Email: jordan.keough1@ucalgary.ca

Ceilidh McConnell is a PhD student in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary. She completed a Master of Science in Psychology at the University of Calgary in 2023. Ceilidh's research interests include sexual violence prevention, masculinity, and program development. Email: ceilidh.mcconnell@ucalgary.ca

Stefan Lewis graduated with his Master of Arts in Sociology at the University of Calgary in 2017 and worked as a program facilitator for a local gender-transformative healthy relationship program offered in educational and community-based settings. He is presently studying law at the University of Manitoba..

Deinera Exner-Cortens is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary and a Tier II Canada Research Chair (Childhood Health Promotion). Her research focuses on evaluating healthy relationships activities in school and community settings. Email: deinera.exner2@ucalgary.ca

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Boyhood Studies

An Interdisciplinary Journal

Cover Boyhood Studies
Article Category:
Research Article
Page Count:
25
Keywords:
adolescents; gender; intersectionality; healthy relationships; qualitative methods
Print Publication Date:
01 Dec 2023
Online Publication Date:
01 Dec 2023
Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2023

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