The allure of violence: men, race and masculinity on the South African goldmines, 1900–1950

Masculinities and gender-based violence in South Africa: A study of a masculinities-focused intervention programme

“…Thus, the expectations of gender norms result in different outcomes for men and women, with men being more likely to use violence than women, and I argue that this is because the normalisation of violence places a different pressure on men than it does on women. As violence becomes an acceptable way to respond to situations, the use of violence can become an expected aspect of the achievement of masculinities, placing increased expectations on men to display these kinds of behaviours to achieve the standards of hegemonic masculinities (Breckenridge, 1998). This supports the notion that, while individual interventions focusing on witnessed or experienced violence could be useful in preventing future violence, the impact of masculinities needs to be taken into account to adequately address violence.…”

“…However, the violence perpetrated under Apartheid did not impact on all citizens in the same way, and tended to be used in a calculated fashion, with Breckenridge (1998) arguing that the violence by white men against men of colour was intended to be emasculating, and to emphasise the lack of power that men of colour held or could exert. Morrell agreed, writing that the 'word [boy] captured a condescension, a refusal to acknowledge the possibility of growth and achievement of manhood amongst African men ' (1998:616).…”

“…In colonial times, white masculinities were usually seen as rational, in control and educated, while African (or Indian or Asian) masculinities were seen as impulsive, irrational, and more animal-like (Segal, 1993;Dolan, 2002;Buscher, 2005). Colonial or racial governments, such as in Apartheid South Africa, infantilised African men who were often called 'boys' by white men, and were employed in menial or low-ranking jobs reporting to white men (Breckenridge, 1998;Kandirikirira, 2002;Langa & Eagle, 2008). This created a situation of African men not being able to achieve many of the normal 'requirements' of masculinity, such as land ownership or being able to financially support a family, and therefore having to find other means to do so (Suttner, 2007).…”

From work with men and boys to changes of social norms and reduction of inequities in gender relations: a conceptual shift in prevention of violence against women and girls

“…If women are expected to fall under men's control, then physical or sexual force and threat are one way of achieving this, as is punishment of acts of resistance to, or transgression of, gender norms (for example in anti-lesbian violence). Physical strength and toughness are very often associated manly attributes, and violent competition between men is often used in demonstrations of this, such as in fights for honour and territory 25,34,35 .…”

Subordinate Black South African Men without Fear

“…Rather homicide is determined by a range of often inseparable dynamics located at individual, relationship, community and societal levels (Rosenberg et al 2006). Among several posited explanations for the disproportionate representation of young Black men in homicide include: subscription to dominant, patriarchal, traditional, ruling or hegemonic masculinity; a past marked by apartheid racism and segregation, state repression, arbitrary detentions, political unrest and violence, and a struggle for national liberation; rapid urbanisation; high levels of unemployment; racially inflected socio-economic inequality and poverty in democratic post-apartheid society; substance and alcohol abuse; a violence-rich subculture; and the weaknesses of the criminal-justice system (Breckenridge 1998;Segal et al 1999;Schönteich & Louw 2001;Parker et al 2004;Seedat et al 2009;SAPS 2011). The latter explanation, with its inclination towards militarisation and a discourse of "toughness", has tended to dominate how violence is apprehended as well as state responses and popular reactions regarding the control and reduction of homicides.…”