|
|
Article: Envisioning a healthy future: a re-becoming of Native American Men.
- Article from:
- Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare
- Article date:
- March 1, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Western Michigan University, School of Social Work. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Native American men have historically been important to their communities, each having a specific function in the perpetuation of cultural norms and practices. Oral tradition and communal experiential activity were pathways of maintaining a connection with others and in regenerating culture. In contrast, the modern dominant culture values and emphasizes individuation as an indicator of psychosocial growth. This influence seems to have hindered Indigenous people/men in maintaining a sense of connection with the community. Survival for Indigenous men during the establishment of encroaching nations has often occurred through relinquishment of a part of `self' psychically. ...