Contemporary society has imposed a set of unrealistic and confusing rules for men over 18 to follow. With post-adolescent men experiencing lower rates of academic success at the post-secondary level and escalating rates of violence perpetrated by this age group, jobs, careers and life itself are in crisis. These men in transition have emotional, social, academic, and career struggles that affect every aspect of their lives.Masculinity in the Making: Managing the Transition to Manhood; therefore, will examine these issues and offer strategies and examples of what is possible for the post-adolescent male; more specifically, attention will be paid to theories and health issues specific to this population, social and cultural issues, academic and career interventions, aggression and violence, and media portrayals. The reader will be left with a deep and clear understanding of the needs of men as well as how mentoring and counseling can provide them with the support needed to be successful and productive members of society.

Nicholas D. Young, PhD, EdD has worked in diverse educational roles for more than 30 years, serving as a teacher, principal, counselor, special education director, graduate professor, graduate program director, graduate dean, and longtime superintendent of schools. He was named the Massachusetts Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Young holds several graduate degrees including a PhD in educational administration and an EdD in educational psychology. Dr. Young has written extensively in the fields of education, counseling, and psychology.



Christine N. Michael, PhD isa more than 40-year educational veteran with a variety of professional experiences; including middle and high school teaching, higher education administration, college teaching, and educational consulting. She has also been involved with Head Start, Upward Bound, national non-profits Foundation for Excellent Schools and College for Every Student, and the federal Trio programs. She is currently the Program Director of Low Residency Programs at American International College. Dr. Michael has published widely on topics in education and psychology.



Elizabeth Jean, EdDhas served as an elementary school educator and administrator in various rural and urban settings in Massachusetts for more than 20 years, where she has worked to create positive learning environments for all students. As a building administrator, she has fostered partnerships with staff, families, various local businesses, and higher education institutions. In addition to her work in PK12, she is a graduate adjunct professor at the Van Loan School of Education, Endicott College. She has written widely on topics in education from preschool to PhD.

Preface

Acknowledgement

Chapters

Toward A New Psychology of the Contemporary ManPsychological Pitfalls: Males and Mental Health IssuesManhood in the Making: Social and Cultural Influences on Masculinity in AmericaEducation for Self-Efficacy: Breaking the Cycle of Male Underachievement in Post-Secondary EducationMaking Their Way into the World: Finding that Just Right Career FitThe Myth of Being the Macho Man: Aggression, Competition, Bullying, and Violence in Contemporary SocietyBeing Batman: Media Portrayals of Masculine BehaviorDoes Father Know Best? The Many Paths to Contemporary Fatherhood Among Young Males

References

About the Authors