Man Up? Redefining Masculinity Through Ignatian Ideals

Daniel A. Zepp Ph.D. Candidate, Higher Education, Boston College

www.DanielZepp.com @DannyZepp

Student Learning Outcomes

!   Gain an understanding of the tensions between society’s definition of what it means to be a man and the central tenets of Ignatian spirituality

!   Develop core competencies in the knowledge of gender as a social construction, hypermasculinity, Ignatian spirituality, and “the art of loving”

!   Reflect on one’s own experience of hypermasculinity, both personally and within each individual campus community, and the cumulative impact of hypermasculine norms on effective student leadership

What is society’s definition of what it means to be a man?

The Life of St. Ignatius From a Gendered Lens

Does Ignatius Man Up? •  Does the life of St. Ignatius align with society’s

definition of what it means to be a man?

Battle of Pamplona Cannonball Moment

Convalescence Conversion Experience

Laying Down The Sword

Before and After

Small Group Discussion

!   What does the life story of St. Ignatius tell us about masculinity and what it means to be a man and woman for others?

!   How do hypermasculine norms become an obstacle for the “art of loving” and effective student leadership?

!   Choose one side of the Cube of Love and reflect on how hypermasculine norms impact our ability to be in relationship with ourselves, others, and God?

!   Apply these reflections to each individual campus community !   How do these reflections inform our student leadership at Jesuit

colleges and universities?

Man Up? Redefining Masculinity Through Ignatian Ideals

Daniel A. Zepp Ph.D. Candidate, Higher Education, Boston College

www.DanielZepp.com @DannyZepp