Stigma, stereotypes, and status: How North American outdoor educators understand and experience masculinity

Abstract

Although multiple studies have considered women’s experiences in the outdoor education field and the impact on women’s notions of gender, little research has been conducted on men’s experiences and ideas about gender in the outdoors. This research explores male outdoor leaders’ notions about masculinity and how they may shape their practice. Interview, observation, and artefactual data were recorded and analyzed to determine the 18 male-identifying participants’ ideas about masculinity in the outdoor education realm. Participants expressed confusion about rapidly changing gender norms, worries about stigmatization, distaste for hypermasculine performances, and a generally progressive outlook about gender issues. In addition, multiple participant statements reinforced gender essentialism, demonstrating adherence to a hybrid masculinity.