Abstract
This study was conducted using a modified version of the Brannon's Masculinity index, designed to measure quantitatively the ideologies of American masculinity. Included is an extensive literature review and an explanation of the methods and data collected. In addition, there is special attention paid to the connections between masculinity and self-care, both of which are operationalized. Herein masculinity is addressed in five subcategories, with particular attention to their interconnections. The five addressed elements are aggressiveness, success, anti-femininity, self-reliance, and sexuality. The five subcategories as well as the self-care factor are further analyzed with consideration to demographic factors such as race and religion. Although the focus of the research is primarily quantitative there is also a discussion of historical and socioeconomic influences. The results of factor analysis show strong intercorrelation among the five masculinity variables, as well as a tendency toward a single aspect of masculinity. There is also some support showing self-care influences masculinity perceptions.
Cima, Brian Norman (2002). Quantitative analysis of masculinity perceptions. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2002 -THESIS -C4516.