Gender Based Violence in South Africa

Abstract

In Africa, and elsewhere, no unified masculine identity exists. However, in all societies, there are expectations about how male child and adult should act and behave. Each society determines gender roles and meanings of violent acts; and these meanings also vary depending on the context. This paper presents an overview on the common male child’s socialization practices in South Africa and how these contribute to a gender hierarchy that sees women as subordinate and even perpetuate violent behaviour against women. Using South Africa as example, where one of the world’s highest rates of violent crime and gender-based violence is recorded, this paper examines the association between apartheid’s racist and violent policies and existing masculine identities.