Allura Casanova
Visiting Assistant Professor
- Email: allura.casanova@furman.edu
- Office: John's Hall 217B
Dr. Allura Casanova is a Visiting Assistant professor who earned her Ph.D. in Psychology and Women's and Gender Studies at the University of Michigan. She is an interdisciplinary researcher who focuses on how masculinity shapes marginalized cis-gender men’s understanding of manhood and how gender influences their experiences of sexual harassment, discrimination, and mental health. More specifically, she looks at issues related to men that are often overlooked due to assumptions and preconceived notions about how men are expected to act. To better understand men’s experiences she applies feminist theory and uses a variety of methods including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Overall, the purpose of Dr. Casanova's research is to engage diverse methodologies to highlight the complex realities cis-gender men experience that is often erased due to dominant discourses and assumptions about masculinity. She strives to better comprehend the complexities men face and to uncover positive masculinity norms that allow men better mental health, social support, and treatment inside and outside of organizations.
Education
- Ph.D., University of Michigan
- M.S., University of Michigan
- B.A., John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Research Interests
Dr. Casanova's s divided into 3 main area, these include 1) how marginalized men conceptualize their own identity and masculinity and approach their mental health and well-being through the influence of race and culture, 2) what forms of gender discrimination men in non-traditional jobs/positions experience, and finally 3) how sexual harassment manifests differently for marginalized men, specifically for men of color, who are subject to hypermasculine expectations and fetishism.
Additionally, she has developed a secondary line of interest specifically regarding Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders' (AAPIs) experience of racism and discrimination. I currently am studying how AAPIs explore and further develop their racial identity, connect with other AAPIs, and their different coping methods.
Publications
- Watkins, D. C., Goodwill, J. R., Johnson, N. C., Casanova, A., Wei, T., Allen, J. O., Williams, E. G., Anyiwo, N., Jackson, Z., Talley, L. M., & Abelson, J. M. (2020). An online behavioral health intervention promoting mental health, manhood, and social support for Black men: The YBMen project. American Journal of Men’s Health.
- Williams, E., Casanova, A., & Watkins, D. C. (2023). Black Boys’ Perceptions of Depression and Mental Health: Findings from the YBMen Project. Special Issue Journal of Social Problems.
- Casanova, A. & Watkins, D. (In Press). “Sometimes You Just Need to be Heard”: Forms of Social Support for Black College Men. Forgotten Realities of Men. Book Chapter.
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