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Changing risk-taking traditions amongst adolescent boys in Alexandra Township Malose Langa. Studies on young adolescent boys. Many studies on masculinities have been conducted with adult male populations but currently there is a growing interest in young masculinities .
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Changing risk-taking traditions amongst adolescent boys in Alexandra TownshipMalose Langa
Studies on young adolescent boys • Many studies on masculinities have been conducted with adult male populations but currently there is a growing interest in young masculinities. • Today many problems of young boys in school have been linked with ‘hegemonic’ masculinity, which encourages casual treatment of schoolwork, defiance of adult authority , missing of classes and the social disapproval of boys who put emphasis on academic success. • The construction of ‘hegemonic’ masculinity is also a key influential element in risk-taking behaviours such as drinking and driving, violent crime, substance abuse and unsafe sexual practices with multiple partners. Many boys engage in high-risk behaviours as a way of constructing a hegemonically based masculine identity.
Aims of the Research Project • To explore South African township boys’ experience of developing and living a masculine identity. • To identify alternative versions of masculinity which are not based on dominant hegemonic forms of masculinity that may be illustrated in these boys’ lives. • To examine factors (e.g. culture or traditions) facilitate or hinder engagement with alternative forms of masculinity. • The relevance of this research is to identify healthy alternative constructions of masculinity, to inform interventions such as HIV/AIDS prevention, violence prevention and substance abuse prevention.
Boys as self-reflective: Storytelling through photography • Interviews as spaces for critical self-reflection. • Boys’ talk about the future (fatherhood) • Boys’ talk about cultural issues (e.g. gender equality)
Developing alternative voices of being a boy ‘Ascimatheni magents’ (let us talk boys) • How do you define being a boy? • What does it mean for you to be a boy? • What do boys do to make them boys? • What have been or are the influences on your identity as a boy?What do you like about being a boy? • What don’t you like about being a boy? • What different kinds of boys are there in your school? • What kinds of groups do you fit into? What is this like? • What is risky or dangerous about being a boy today? What is particularly risky for you? • What do you think makes boys do dangerous things (e.g. substance abuse, violence, gangs and crime)? • Who are your role models in your life and in the community? Why?
Conclusion • What traditions can we develop about being a boy today who does not engage in risk-taking behaviours? • How do we think about being a boy today?
