Ethan Cutler

Thesis Research

Designed Mentorship: Applications of Design for Establishing Anti-Violent Peer Dynamics Among Men

Although the vast majority of sexual violence is perpetrated by men, it is extremely uncommon to see the goal of prevention applied towards men in particular. Popular discourse and existing outreach programs have historically framed sexual violence as something for women to be aware of, or as a unisex issue without gendered roots. Existing literature on the subject has indicated that disproportionately high rates of male perpetration predominantly stem from masculine gender socialization in early childhood, as well as the subsequent culture of male peer groups that reinforces violent behavior. This project utilizes a feminist theoretical framework to analyze the ways in which young adult men currently understand their identities, their experiences, and their relationships with others within the context of sexual violence, and as they exist within larger gender hierarchies. Informed by feminist theory, a queer research methodology will shape the production of tactile, reflective artifacts that are created collaboratively and with men’s lived experiences in mind. With focus on the individual and relational prevention scales, the desired outcome is to produce a series of ethnographic artifacts that bring to light the ways in which masculine identities and sexual violence interact. The ultimate goal of these artifacts is to make the positive, protective qualities of anti-violent male peer groups more accessible and widespread, by materializing the stories of men who have found themselves personally involved in sexual violence prevention efforts. I expect to find that autobiographical storytelling and relationship-based intervention are highly effective means of reducing men’s discomfort engaging in preventionist behaviors and bridging gaps in knowledge on the nature of gendered violence.

Keywords: Feminism, sexual violence, masculinity, queer methodology, storytelling, violence prevention