Polygyny and Gender: The Gendered Narratives of Adults Raised in Polygynous Families

Synopsis

The people of Africa have contrasting perspectives on gender, feminism, and the family from their Western counterparts. Similarly, social structures like, religion, capitalism and the law require a context-specific application to polygyny. This book examines the construction of gender identity in adults raised in Zulu polygynous families in the Hammarsdale area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It highlights the complexities of gender identities as participants negotiate between modern, constitutional, and individual freedoms and patriarchal, cultural, and communal customs and traditions. The themes also point towards the argument between individuality and collectivism in the creation of gender identity within polygynous families in Zulu culture. The South African Constitution guarantees gender equality and individual rights and freedoms for its citizens, yet customary law practices, like polygyny, appear to contravene these principles. The participants reveal that although women and men experience different consequences, they cite similar prevalent factors like gender role socialisation, naming practices and the doctrine of seniority, influencing their gender identity construction. Print edition not for sale in Sub Saharan Africa.

Copyright:

2024

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

ISBN-13:

9781003814665

Related ISBNs:

9781032633930, 9781032633954, 9781032633947

Publisher:

Taylor and Francis

Date of Addition:

12/01/23

Copyrighted By:

Zamambo V. Mkhize. The right of Zamambo V. Mkhize to be identified as author of this work has been asserted in accordance with sections

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

Nonfiction, Reference, Social Studies, Sociology

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.