The role of violence in the construction of Black South African masculinities in Zukiswa Wanner’s texts.

Abstract

Contemporary South Africa has attracted global attention because of the spate of violence perpetrated by men against women and children. Twenty-nine years into democracy, with a constitution that vouches for gender equality, the country still seems to be held captive by the traditional stereotypes which give authority and power to one dominant form of masculinity which has been given legitimacy as the benchmark for measuring successful manhood. This type of masculinity has proven to be unsustainable, given the prevailing shifts in the country’s socio-economic climate. Because of this, failure to attain it usually culminates in violent incidents, and women and children are always victims. Through Wanner’s texts, this work examines different versions of black South African masculinity, how they are constructed, as well as the role of violence in their construction. Since masculinity has proven to be a heterogenous concept, this work seeks to challenge the dominant and violent constructions, and to negotiate alternative forms which embrace gender equality. Not only does this work concern itself with the different types of black South African masculinity and the role of violence in their construction, it also highlights the role of women in their construction, an aspect which is always taken for granted, yet it plays a crucial role in the way in which masculinities are constructed and enacted. This is accomplished by delving deeply into the family unit and examining the conventional gender roles of women, keeping in mind that the South African constitution grants them the freedom to either adhere to these roles or select from a variety of options presented to them. It is suggested that women's contributions to the building of masculinities ought to be acknowledged, since their decisions appear to have a substantial impact on either fostering or impeding the change of masculinities. It is further suggested that boys and young men are socialised into more egalitarian forms of masculinity.