Investigating the construction of migrant masculine identities of African male youth in the informal settlement context of Bhambayi.

Abstract

The study of masculinity has been researched in conjunction with various social topics that include migration, political, economic and cultural dynamics, to mention a few. The overall objective of this study is to understand how men think and function in relation to the fluidity, plurality and hierarchy of masculinity. The objectives of this research study were to: (i) investigate the hegemonic masculinity of young men living in the informal settlement of Bhambayi, (ii) examine the influence of migration on young men’s behaviour with regards to dominant notions of masculinity, (iii) and to ascertain if violence forms an alternative masculinity for the young men in Bhambayi. For this study, interviews were held with young African males living in the informal settlement of Bhambayi. The informal settlement of Bhambayi has reportedly experienced a number of conflicts in the past and it is a community filled with migrants of diverse ethnicities. Fourteen African youth male participants who migrated from the rural areas to Bhambayi were asked questions about their notions of manhood; behavioural influences; as well as whether or not violence is a legitimate solution for resolving conflict. Masculinities, according to the participants are context bound and all members of the sample identified with the rural masculinity of having a wife and children, livestock, a house and dressing in a respectable dignified manner. In the informal settlement of Bhambayi, aggression and boasting about material possessions were defined as attributes of being a real man but all participants rebuked these ideas as worthy of their aspirations. Those men who were considered killers and those men who owned guns are feared but also admired. Migration patterns from the rural areas to Bhambayi were fueled by violent conflicts, the search for employment and better health care. Migration from Bhambayi to the rural areas and back were short term. There was limited role models in their community for many young men. Crime is rampant in the informal settlement and is fueled by high levels of poverty and substance abuse. Creating job opportunities and developing recreational facilities to promote positive activity among the youth is recommended as a solution to limiting crime in black communities. Also, promoting alternative masculinities in popular culture is needed in order to rid aggression and violence as normative ideas of manhood.