Using photovoice to explore the perceptions and experiences of masculinity amongst male, Afrikaner adolescents in Gauteng, South Africa.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore how male, Afrikaner adolescents understand, construct and perform masculinity. Photovoice methodology was conducted online via Zoom with five male, Afrikaner adolescents aged 13-18 from the Gauteng province, South Africa. The study was guided by social constructivism as the theoretical framework. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data with the assistance of NVivo 12 software. Four main themes were found: (1) Macho Men vs Pissies, (2) Plaasjapies and Afrikaner heritage, (3) Family and Friends, and (4) Christianity. It was found that male Afrikaner adolescents construct their masculinity as being Macho Men, not Pissies, plaasjapies, and boerseuns. These notions of hegemonic masculinity were found to be informed by: (1) the socially constructed intersubjectivities within the Afrikaner community, (2) Afrikaner and Voortrekker heritage, (3) historical romanticisation of farm life, and a generational shared patriarchal ownership and trust between Afrikaners and the land, (4) socialisation by friends and family who challenge and ridicule boys to adhere to hegemonic notions of masculinity, and (5) Christianity which guides them to live their lives “right”. Within all these positions, partcipants socially enact and embody gender identities through conscious and unconscious subjective processes. Finally, the sample of male, Afrikaner adolescents perform their masculinity through proving they are macho by being tough (which includes getting into fights and obtaining injuries from physical exploits), smoking and drinking, hunting and using guns, not displaying emotions as it is associated with weakness and homosexuality, and visiting and working on farms as well as speaking out against farm murders. This study hopes to add to the existing body of knowledge by exploring the perceptions and experiences of masculinity amongst male, Afrikaner adolescents.