College Men’s Meanings of Masculinities and Contextual Influences: Toward a Conceptual Model

Based on a grounded theory study involving 68 male undergraduates, a conceptual model of the meanings college men ascribe to masculinities is proposed in this article. The participants equated masculinities with “being respected,” “being confident and self-assured,” “assuming responsibility,” and “embodying physical prowess.” Contextual factors that influenced these meanings are also reflected in the model. Using the model as a guiding framework, recommendations for supporting the gender identity development of college men and implications for future studies of masculinities in college contexts are offered.