From boys to men: exploring black masculinity ideologies about women in South Africa

Phalezweni, Benathi

From boys to men: exploring black masculinity ideologies about women in South Africa

Thesis / Dissertation

2025

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Social Development

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

Background: Masculinity is not a fixed identity but a socially constructed and culturally specific set of expectations about how men should behave. Among Xhosa men, the traditional rite of passage into manhood known as ulwaluko plays a key role in socialising boys into culturally sanctioned forms of manhood. This rite often reinforces notions of toughness, self-reliance, and leadership, while discouraging emotional vulnerability. Over time, these ideologies shape how men relate to others, particularly women, and can contribute to controlling or coercive behaviours within intimate relationships. While not inherently harmful, such expectations can entrench power imbalances and contribute to conditions in which gender inequality becomes normalised. South Africa offers a powerful case study of how entrenched gender norms and patriarchal masculinities translate into widespread harm against women, where women are raped every 12 minutes and murdered every three hours often by their intimate partner. These norms are especially visible within Black communities, and it is from this observation that the researcher sought to investigate the ideologies of Black masculinity from the perspective of Xhosa men in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, focusing on how these beliefs influence men's attitudes and behaviours toward women. Methods: This study explores how masculinity ideologies among Xhosa men in the Eastern Cape influence their attitudes and behaviours toward women. Using an exploratory qualitative design, focus group interviews were conducted with 22 Xhosa men recruited from faith-based and community organisations addressing gender-based violence (GBV). Data were analysed using both thematic analysis and critical discourse analysis to identify key narratives around masculinity, gender roles, and relational dynamics. Findings: Findings reveal that culturally embedded masculinity ideals—especially those shaped through ulwaluko—reinforce beliefs in male dominance and female inferiority. These norms legitimise emotional coercion, sexual manipulation, and violence as expressions of authority, sustaining gender inequality and contributing to South Africa's ongoing GBV crisis.