The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of a selected group of rural high school male students regarding their attitudes about the influences they perceive in their lives that have had an impact on their gender identity. This study surveyed the perceptions of a group of high school students from Dell Rapids High School in rural South Dakota. Surveys were distributed to 149 male students in grades 9-12 and 32% obtained parental consent and participated in the study. The survey consisted of 26 questions regarding the perceived influences on role acquisition pertaining to manhood. The survey also included eight questions designed to ascertain the gender identity level of the respondents. Six open-ended questions pertained to the future sources of information, challenges of male roles, and rewards of male roles. A final question allowed for additional comments. The statistical analyses indicated that fathers played a significant role in the gender role acquisition of students at all grade levels. Outside of family members, male peer friends and educators were rated as having the greatest influence. The analyses further indicated that cultural traditions have had the greatest influence on gender identity and role acquisition among factors from media, school, society, and the internet. In regard to gender identity level, freshmen were at the level of diffusion, while the other students were at the moratorium stage. When predicting the future needs for information, the students respond that they will seek people for further information in every situation posed, recognizing the importance of the people in their lives. Further research should be conducted in urban settings. Recognizing the importance of fathers as perceived by the respondents, further study should be conducted including the hypothetical situation of the father being unavailable in the future for consultation. The school was reported as a key setting for information outside of the family. Teacher-preparation might include this information to provide as many avenues as possible for gender identity achievement to be a more likely outcome by the end of adolescence. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]