Abstract
M.A.
This research study was undertaken from a social constructionist perspective. It aims to explore the impact of the emergence of female equality on the South African Male identity.
Specifically the researcher tried to investigate how men from different racial and cultural groups cope with changes brought about by the new democracy and gender equality.
The first part of the dissertation consists of a review of the literature on the shift from modernism to postmodernism. It includes postmodernist ideas on language, meaning, narrative and the social construction of gender as well as identity. The literature study further provides an overview of the different feminisms. Male identity is then reviewed highlighting the different factors that contribute to its formation, maintenance, as well as its expression in the South African context.
In line with the researcher’s epistemology, the methodology was qualitative in nature and semi-structured interviews were used. The narratives of the participants were subjected to a thematic analysis. The significant themes that emerged from the analysis are presented in the results chapter. It is evident from the narratives of the research participants that some males are experiencing difficulty in trying to adapt to the emerging female conscience. It has also been noted that although men are now taking on a greater childcaring role and placing more emphasis on relationships such change seems to be occurring on a very small scale. The slow change in gender roles can be attributed to the normative structure of the patriarchal cultures in South Africa that make role change difficult. The results are thus discussed in light of the literature study as well as the South African context.
Finally a conclusion is offered together with the reflections of the researcher and a discussion of the limitations of the study. Lastly recommendations are made in the hope that it would help psychologists, sociologists and lawmakers’ work towards a better understanding of men’s position in society and their fears. It is only through understanding both sides that one can facilitate better gender relationships.
Ms. Brenda Radebe