Understanding Boys' Bodies and Masculinity in Early Childhood

Abstract

Children as young as five experience feelings of body image dissatisfaction. However, body image research has tended to focus on females due to myriad social and cultural issues girls/women confront in terms of their body image. Therefore, in an attempt to redress this imbalance, this paper investigates the constructions of body image and health among young boys between 5-6 years of age using qualitative research. While the paper highlights the young boys' voices, it specifically identifies how boys construct notions around their bodies and body identity. This research highlights the early age at which boys begin to reflect upon, compare, and contrast their own bodies with others and the images surrounding them. © 2006 by the Men's Studies Press, LLC. All rights reserved.

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