Exploring Masculinity in Boys’ Schools
The conversation around gender and identity continues to evolve, prompting reflection on how these topics relate to educational environments, particularly in boys’ schools. A recent article on gender and masculinity raises important questions about how young men understand and express what it means to “be a man” in today’s world.
Sociologist C.J. Pascoe’s research, Multiple Masculinities? Teenage Boys Talk About Jocks and Gender, offers valuable insight into this topic. Her study examines how teenage boys navigate expectations of masculinity, often shaped by peer dynamics, school culture, and broader social influences. The findings suggest that masculinity is not a single, fixed identity, but rather a collection of diverse expressions that can vary depending on context.
In many school settings, certain traits—such as athleticism, emotional toughness, and assertiveness—are commonly associated with masculinity. While these qualities are often celebrated, Pascoe’s research emphasizes that they represent only one version of what masculinity can be. Other expressions, such as creativity, empathy, collaboration, and emotional openness, are equally valid yet sometimes overlooked.
At Crescent School, this broader understanding of masculinity aligns with the school’s holistic approach to education. While Crescent is proud of its strong athletic tradition, offering a wide range of competitive sports that foster teamwork, discipline, and resilience, the school equally emphasizes its other Character-in-Action programs, such as Outreach, Business, Robotics, and the myriad of teams and clubs available.
Among these, the Arts are a vital part of student life. Programs in media arts, visual arts, music, drama, and dance give students the opportunity to express themselves in diverse and meaningful ways.
This commitment was recently showcased at the Upper School Arts Festival, SOLA, where students’ creativity, collaboration, and passion were celebrated through outstanding performances and exhibitions. Events like SOLA highlight how Crescent empowers students to explore and develop multiple facets of their identity beyond conventional expectations.
Moreover, Crescent’s core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and compassion are fundamental in supporting an inclusive and supportive school culture. These values encourage students to respect different perspectives, take responsibility for their actions, approach others with empathy, and engage in open, honest conversations about themselves and the world around them. These principles naturally foster an environment where various expressions of masculinity can be acknowledged and appreciated.
By nurturing both athletic excellence and artistic expression, Crescent affirms that strength comes in many forms. Masculinity, in this context, is not about conforming to a narrow ideal but about developing into a well-rounded individual who leads with character and authenticity.
Recognizing the diversity of masculinities is not about redefining who we are, but about enriching our community with a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a Crescent graduate.
