The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is funding a study that seeks to change male "gender norms" to reduce sexual violence against women, the
Washington Free Beacon reports.
The study uses a curriculum called "Manhood 2.0" to develop "healthy masculinities" in young black men. It has received nearly $1 million in funding from the CDC so far.
Elizabeth Miller, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh, leads the study, which she calls her "dream project."
"‘Gender transformative programming’ involves identifying and challenging rigid masculinity norms about what it means to be a man, identifying examples of policing gender and sexuality (through media messages), and envisioning different ways of expressing one’s masculinity (that does not involve physical strength, use of violence, sexual conquest)," she said in an email, the Free Beacon reports.
According to a
Project Information listing on the National Institutes of Health website, "[t]his study will provide urgently needed information about the effectiveness of a gender transformative program that combines healthy sexuality skills, gender norms change, and bystander skills to interrupt peers' disrespectful and harmful behaviors to reduce [sexual violence and adolescent relationship abuse] perpetration among adolescent males."
The federal website states the taxpayer-funded study was inspired by international programs.
"Global health organizations highlight engaging men and boys in preventing violence against women as a potentially impactful public health strategy," the information listing reads.
Miller said the study is based on programs in Brazil, Ethiopia, and India, the Free Beacon reports.
The study has received $899,364 in federal funding to date. Its budget does not expire until September 2016, the Free Beacon reports.
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