Power and Identity: An Introduction to Sexualities in Southern Africa

Abstract

The time has come for re-thinking sexualities in Africa' (Arnfred, 2004: 7). This special issue arose from conversations between the editors and other scholars re-thinking and re-imagining African sexualities during and after two conferences -'Writing African Women -Poetics and Politics of African Gender Research'; and 'From Boys to Men: Masculinities and Risk Conference' -both held at the University of Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, in January 2005. This was followed by a 'Call for Papers' and reviewing in the usual way. The issue comprises seven articles and four book reviews, along with, sadly, the obituary of Ronald Louw, a pioneering figure in the South African gay movement and in gay scholarship.In this introduction we provide a framework for and an overview of the seven articles included in this special issue. We begin by discussing the history and historiography of sexuality in Southern Africa. We then examine some of the theoretical approaches used in the study of sexuality in Southern Africa. Finally, we summarize the contributions, drawing connections between them.

The influence of social constructs of hegemonic masculinity and sexual behaviour on acceptability of vaginal microbicides in Zambia

“…Our study adds to the consensus that women's vulnerability to HIV is not only biological but is sustained by gender inequalities, which also complicates the introduction of HIV interventions for long-term sexual relationships (Bhana et al, 2007;Chimbiri, 2007;Smith, 2007). It also supports the argument on the need to understand and challenge the deeper and complex gender and masculine roles by engaging men and women in alternative gender identities (Dworkin et al, 2013;Kelly et al, 2015).…”

“…For example, in the African context, men are expected to marry, have children, and assume the role of household heads and breadwinner for the family (Hendricks, Swartz, & Bhana, 2010;Heslop & Banda, 2013;Simpson, 2009;Snow, Winter, & Harlow, 2013). Men are expected to be in charge of sexual relationships and initiate, engage in sex with multiple partners and sexually satisfy them (Bhana, Morrell, Hearn, & Moletsane, 2007;Brown, Sorrell, & Raffaelli, 2005;Heslop & Banda, 2013;Simpson, 2009). …”

Heteronormativity, homophobia and ‘culture’ arguments in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

“…Hunter (2010) presents the ways in which apartheid and then chronic unemployment have become central to understandings of masculinity, femininity, love and sex in KwaZulu-Natal. Bhana et al (2007) point out that in South Africa, in contrast with the progressive Constitution, heteronormative and patriarchal discourses and practices continue to silence female sexuality and to negate homosexuality as 'unAfrican' and against religion. The pervasiveness of this 'homosexuality is unAfrican' argument is evident in the comments of public figures.…”

Youth Lyrics, Street Language and the Politics of Age: Contextualising the Youth Question in the Third Chimurenga in Zimbabwe

“…Yet, urban grooves songs show women who talk back, argue and tell off men as they negotiate terms of interaction. 87 This is less objectification than a recognition that can women talk back, and do take issue with what they do not like. It shows how women's sexual agency in heterosexual settings of neo-patrilineal patriarchies, is made to look deviant.…”