Why these high school boys care about ‘healthy masculinity'

Exploring New Masculinities #

At President Grover Cleveland High School, while most students spend Wednesday lunch unwinding in the cafeteria, a group of 25 teenage boys gathers in a classroom to explore what it means to be a man. This weekly meeting of the Healthy Masculinity Club provides a safe space for young men to discuss sex, gender, and societal expectations.

“For me, this club is an affinity group, a place where I can talk about things I don’t talk about anywhere else,” shares a senior student. Over the course of 35 minutes, participants unpack ideas about masculinity, receiving support and challenging traditional stereotypes.

A trend is emerging nationwide with similar clubs forming in over a dozen high schools. These clubs aim to redefine masculinity by embracing traits like tenderness and humility. A recent survey indicates that six in ten people believe society undervalues men who are caring and open about emotions. Adults are encouraged to model empathetic masculinity, offering boys a broader narrative for personal and professional development.

Concerning gender trends highlight that men make up slightly more than half of the 18- to 24-year-old population but are outnumbered in college enrollment. Mortality rates from drug overdoses, suicides, and alcohol-related illnesses are higher among men. Loneliness among men is increasingly seen as an epidemic, further complicating their emotional landscape.

At Cleveland High, club activities include discussions on consent, media influence on gender norms, and how to be allies to women. One exercise, known as the “man box,” involves writing traditional masculinity notions on a box’s surface, encouraging participants to break out of these constraints. The sessions foster a sense of self-worth, ending with affirmations like “You are enough.”

Participation in the club has impacted students positively, making them more compassionate. “If anyone makes a joke or says something offhandedly, I make a point of saying, ‘That’s part of the harm,’” a student mentions, illustrating the commitment to challenging misogyny and toxic behaviors.

The Healthy Masculinity Club follows a curriculum designed to reconsider how men have been socialized, encouraging more open conversations about loneliness, intimacy, and anger. This initiative is seen as crucial for breaking traditional notions of manhood.

Some schools incorporate similar curricula into formal classes, promoting healthy masculinity. Over time, these programs adapt to address current issues such as transgender rights. Events like annual symposiums further engage students and the community, challenging longstanding perceptions of masculinity.

“The road to becoming a modern man involves continuous reflection on how masculinity influences our interactions,” a club adviser notes. “We’re giving these kids the chance to figure out what kind of men they want to be.”