Discourse analysis of conception of masculinity among Chinese male sexual abuse survivors

This study aims to explore the conception of masculinity in organizing the help-seeking behavior of Chinese males in Hong Kong. Twelve informants, who had experienced being abused in various relationships, participated in the in-depth interviews. Discourse analysis drawn from the analytical process per James Paul Gee is applied to examine the data. Six discourse positions are highlighted, including placating masculinity, counter-masculinity, fragmented identity, masculinity through sex, identity through gender, and finally, non-normative sexual identity. The complicity of the concept of masculinity in Chinese culture and implications for social workers are further discussed.

Why Do Men Not Disclose Their Sexual Abuse History?

When it comes to childhood sexual abuse (CSA), gender is a huge water divisor. Cases of male victims are less reported, less studied, and receive less help. This paper reflects on some of the myths and misconceptions involving male sexual abuse, trying to understand social contributors for why victims stand so much in the shadows. Misconceptions seem to be highly influenced by social factors such as gender constructions, adding so many barriers that access to treatment becomes more difficult and leads to worse outcomes. The prejudice and invisibility involved are so strong that they penetrate clinicians, who are less prompt to identify and work with male victims. They are neither seen nor heard, are not perceived as victims, and therefore not supported and not treated as such. This is a call for furthering studies, public debates, social awareness, and professional training in the field.