Adolescence: The Social Construction of Masculinity and Emotional Suppression Among Boys
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Nancy Malcom
Location
Russell Union Room 2054
Type of Research
Completed
Session Format
Oral Presentation
College
College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
Department
Sociology
Abstract
This paper examines how the Netflix series Adolescence portrays masculinity and its impact on emotional expression and aggression in adolescent boys. It addresses research questions such as how online culture shapes boys’ perceptions of themselves, how Jamie’s relationships with peers, his father, and his counselor influence his emotions, and how the series highlights the pressures of masculinity. Using a content analysis of four episodes, with a focus on episodes one and three due to these episodes being the center focus of the short series. The study analyzes Jamie Miller’s interactions with his peers, social media, and his counselor, Briony Ariston. The key findings suggest that boys’ emotional expression is shaped by their environment, social media reinforcement of gender norms, and supportive communication in counseling reduces emotional suppression. Applying symbolic interactionism, the research demonstrates how social interactions and cultural expectations influence boys’ identities and emotional behavior. The study highlights the role of media, family, and peers in supporting healthy emotional development for adolescent males.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 3:45 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 4:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Dagraca, Alexis, "Adolescence: The Social Construction of Masculinity and Emotional Suppression Among Boys" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 260.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/260
Adolescence: The Social Construction of Masculinity and Emotional Suppression Among Boys
Russell Union Room 2054
This paper examines how the Netflix series Adolescence portrays masculinity and its impact on emotional expression and aggression in adolescent boys. It addresses research questions such as how online culture shapes boys’ perceptions of themselves, how Jamie’s relationships with peers, his father, and his counselor influence his emotions, and how the series highlights the pressures of masculinity. Using a content analysis of four episodes, with a focus on episodes one and three due to these episodes being the center focus of the short series. The study analyzes Jamie Miller’s interactions with his peers, social media, and his counselor, Briony Ariston. The key findings suggest that boys’ emotional expression is shaped by their environment, social media reinforcement of gender norms, and supportive communication in counseling reduces emotional suppression. Applying symbolic interactionism, the research demonstrates how social interactions and cultural expectations influence boys’ identities and emotional behavior. The study highlights the role of media, family, and peers in supporting healthy emotional development for adolescent males.
