The role of Xhosa traditional circumcision in constructing masculinity

Abstract

Ulwaluko is a Xhosa word that refers to an initiation ritual. The purpose is to transform boys into men. Circumcision is one of the rituals performed. The ritual aims to instil good moral and social values. Due to socio-cultural shifts, the practice of Ulwaluko has changed and this has culminated in instances of criminal activity, drug abuse, risky sexual behaviours, and inhumane behaviours among some of the initiates. There has been a recent upsurge in research on Ulwaluko in South Africa. While many studies examined Ulwaluko from a constructionist framework, very few have focused on subject positions and how Ulwaluko contributes to the construction of masculinity in Xhosa men. Using social constructionist theory, the study employed a qualitative exploratory design and semi-structured interviews that were analysed using thematic decomposition analysis and positioning theory. Seven participants, from a university in Cape Town, aged from 19 to 32 were recruited using purposive sampling. The results of the study reflect the fluidity of masculinity as reported in literature. First, in some of the participants, Ulwaluko created an idealised masculine identity that was chiefly characterised by upholding ritual teachings and yet the same men were burdened by a prescriptive set of masculine role expectations. Second, through self-reflection and critical engagement, some men contested Ulwaluko resulting in the creation of rival masculinities and thus the study created spaces to rethink masculine identities.

Physical Disability and Masculinity: Hegemony and Exclusion

“…It is interesting that Sifiso here refers to "coming circumcised from the bushes" as a path to providing sexual pleasure for women. Within Xhosa, and some other, traditions in southern Africa, young men undergo a coming of age process known in isiXhosa as ulwaluko, part of which involves circumcision (Magodyo, Andipatin, & Jackson, 2017;Mfecane, 2016). Colloquially, this secret process, to which women are not allowed access (Kiguwa & Siswana, 2018), is known as "going to the bush", as the process is generally undertaken in the forests away from where people live.…”

“Left Out” Xhosa Mens’ Experience of and Adjustment to Divorce

“…This process restores patriarchal control among men, lost due to high levels of unemployment. 131 Meissner and Buso 132 agree that Ulwaluko gives the circumcised men power associated with greater rights, responsibilities, and a higher standing in society.…”

“…A sense of identity, decision-making, problem-solving, selfcontrol, leadership skills, and knowledge of traditional rituals and ceremonial proceedings, are all part of the initiation process to develop an ideal Ulwaluko man who is expected to be selfless, responsible, and respectful to the family, elders, and society. 134 The initiation process has the potential to develop character and responsible behaviour that would benefit the initiates, their families, and communities. 135,136 Failure to attain an ideal Ulwaluko manhood through formal channelslike employment and marriage -will result in some of the men attempting to compensate for their subordinate status and attain important markers of masculinity through alternative means, such as drugs and substance use, promiscuity, and other anti-social behaviours.…”

“…135,136 Failure to attain an ideal Ulwaluko manhood through formal channelslike employment and marriage -will result in some of the men attempting to compensate for their subordinate status and attain important markers of masculinity through alternative means, such as drugs and substance use, promiscuity, and other anti-social behaviours. 137…”

Nie jestem jak ty. Męskość hegemoniczna we współczesnym południowoafrykańskim kinie queer

“…Powyższe spostrzeżenia pozwalają zrozumieć, dlaczego udział w ulwaluko jest ważny dla mężczyzn nieheteroseksualnych. Uczestnictwo w rytuale pozwala im między innymi na uzyskanie większej władzy i przywilejów oraz podnosi ich status społeczny 27 . Zdaniem autorów artykułu The Role of Xhosa Traditional Circumcision in Constructing Masculinity ulwaluko odgrywa dominującą rolę w kulturze Xhosa i przyczynia się do podtrzymania ciągłości rdzennego modelu męskości hegemonicznej.…”