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We all incorporate into our individual identities features of various culturally gender constructed identities. In particular, children and others struggling to come to terms with their sexuality may well be confused by the many and often conflicting representations of gender that they encounter throughout the broader culture. How are these "masks" of gender identity constructed? Which masks distort or corrupt the individual who wears them? Do some masks actually elevate the individual and help him become increasingly
healthy and productive?
The construction and effects of gender identity are best approached through collaborative efforts. Scholars from all academic disciplines need to find ways to design their research projects so that practitioners find the results of that research useful, and practitioners need to find ways to help scholars understand and investigate the range of issues they encounter in their work. Furthermore, scholars from every discipline-the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences-need to find ways to support each other in their efforts to discuss, examine, and/or deconstruct existing definitions of masculinity or to begin to construct new definitions.
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