Will boys be boys: An exploration of social support, affection, and masculinities within non-romantic male relationships

The current study examines males and the intricacies of social support and affection within their male-centered social networks. The results from data collected from focus groups of 71 self-identified college males identified three emergent themes: the acknowledgement of masculinities as fluid, the importance of time and trust among male centered networks, and the influence and impact of fathers and father figures’ affection and communicative engagement. These themes suggest that the fluidity of perceived masculinities, according to the self-identified men in this study, demonstrate a shift in how men view themselves, view one another, and engage in intimate, affectionate non-romantic relationships. In addition, these findings further support Inclusive Masculinity Theory (Anderson, 2005) and extends its application outside of previous research situated in fraternity and athletic settings.