Gender Norms and Culture in Asian-Canadian Adolescent Boys’ Anticipating Dating Relationships

Adolescent romantic experiences can have profound developmental significance and may be predictive of future relationships. Despite such potential significance, little is known about the challenges that confront teenage boys when navigating dating The present study sought to understand how masculine gender norms influence boys’ attitudes behaviors cultural expectations as they anticipate prospective Focus-group discussions were held with adolescent ( N = 23), ranging in age from 14 18 years, a multicultural Canadian city. Grounded Theory methodology was used analyze discussion responses. Central Category grounded theory Anticipating Getting Experience Dating, while communicating benefiting relationships subcategories. Masculine Gender Norms arose major Contextual Category. findings demonstrate these attempted maintain socially approved status coincidingly struggling confidence demands this status. factors involving peer expectations, social/digital media culture, context parents’ additionally contribute their navigational struggles. Implications for relational development, light norms, are addressed. Interventions suggested support development communications.