Abstract
From a sociological perspective, there is consensus on the idea that identities are constructed. This consensus forms the basis of this research on the social construction of identities in the National Youth Service of Zimbabwe (NYSZ). Other aspects of identity - its multiplicity and negotiable nature - are used as key terms of reference in the investigation of identity construction in the NYSZ. Institutions may be used by the state to produce a certain kind of identity, and power relations are always at play in the manufacturing of identity. This study investigates how social identity is constructed in the NYSZ, by whom and for what is it being constructed, and, significantly, with what success the NYSZ is creating the identities, and how its success can be explained. The NYSZ was established in 2001. It was not the first of such programmes to be established but could in fact possibly be the last to be instituted worldwide. Findings reveal that the NYSZ is successfully achieving its goals, and in particular, its goal of influencing the process of identity construction in the youth. A number of reasons account for this success: Its quasi-military nature, the socioeconomic background of trainees, and power relations in the training camps combined with the age of the trainees, all contribute to the success of the programme. The teaching of history from an afro-centric perspective also plays a significant role and contributes to the success of the NYSZ in creating a new identity in the participants. In this study, it is asserted that the NYSZ is not an ordinary kind of NYS. It is quite exceptional in terms of its structure, aims and operation. With regard to sociological theories, of NYSs I propose the addition of a fourth perspective to the three presented by Sherraden and Eberly: construction of social and political identity.
Prof. Peter Alexander
Mr. Henry Mushonga