Men behaving differently: South African men since 1994

Walker, Liz

Abstract

Liberal versions of sexuality, which mark South Africa's new democracy, have had a number of highly contradictory consequences for women and men, as old notions of masculinity and male privilege have been destabilized. The transition to democracy has precipitated a crisis of masculinity. Orthodox notions of masculinity are being challenged and new versions of masculinity are emerging in their place. Some men are seeking to be part of a new social order while others are defensively clinging to more familiar routines. Drawing on in-depth interviews with young African working class men, this paper explores new masculinities in contemporary South Africa. It examines how men negotiate their manhood in a period of social turbulence and transition. Masculinity, male sexuality, and the expectations which men have of themselves, each other and women are contested and in crisis.

Citation

Walker, L. (2005). Men behaving differently: South African men since 1994. Culture, health & sexuality, 7(3), 225-238. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691050410001713215

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Aug 6, 2006
• Publication Date: May 1, 2005
• Journal: CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
• Print ISSN: 1369-1058
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 225-238
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13691050410001713215
• Keywords: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health; Health(social science)
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/396078