Perspectives on Gender and Socialization: a challenge to men

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Perspectives on Gender and Socialization a
challenge to men
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Gender and Socialization

• Introduction
• The present context,
• Gender relations, patriarchy,
• Transformation agenda,
• Societal values,
• Commitment, constitution, transformation,

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Defining socialization

• Transference,
• shared community values, norms and standards,
• Education,
• Initiation,
• orientation

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Institutions of socialization

• Family- e.g. use of colours toys chores,
• School- e.g. chores subjects pregnancy
• in group rites of passage,
• out group belonging to a group,
• Religion role definitions, women as leaders
• media, - manner in which women are projected
• Traditional Inst., e.g. koma

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Todays Situation

• Gender transformation remains a challenge,
• Some gains, but many challenges,
• Most countries SA incl. have signed international
  conventions affirming this position,
• SADC protocol on gender equality,

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How Did We Get Here?

• Assumptions about culture,
• Rigid / dynamic,
• Traditions embedded in culture,
• Traditional practices should be life enhancing,
  (Botho/Ubuntu)
• Practices should be about building community,

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How Did We Get Here?

• Colonial era,
• Industrialization,
• Discovery of gold and diamonds and its
  implications,
• Urbanization,
• Apartheid,
• Democracy

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Culture Tradition

• Culture is dynamic not static,
• Evolves with time,
• Is about enhancement of life,
• Is affirming,
• Is about building and growth,

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How Did We Get Here?

• Anecdotal evidence,
• Distortion of Culture,
• Undermining,
• power abuse,
• Culture adapts to challenges
• AmaZulu and ukusoma,
• Polygamy

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Culture Traditions

• Harmful traditional practices
• Child marriages,
• Fathers-in-Law daughters-in-Law,
• Ukungena
• FGM

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Harmful traditional practices

• Fertility obligations,
• Having sex with brother or relative for
  procreation,
• Sexual enhancement portions,
• Implications for HIV/AIDS,
• ubusoka / isigwadi / isishimane,
• Not just about relations, more about sex (myths
  about not being active)
• Virginity testing
• Implications for HR, STIs, HIV,

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Available Options

• Models
• Bafokeng
• Queen Modjadji et al,
• KwaZulu Natal experiences,
• Contradictions?

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Possibilities

• Harmonization of Constitutional democratic
  provisions with Customary practices,
• Presidential Izimbizos
• Ward committee systems,
• African renaissance
• Legal framework

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Challenges

• Harmonizing culture with democratic processes,
• Developing focused mens forums,
• Creating synergies between women and men on
  gender issues,
• Towards an integrated approach,

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Way forward

• Review gender policy to include work with men,
• Lobby for GFP to be at correct / influential
  level,
• Explore role that Arts Culture can play to
  place this matter on the agenda,
• Social cohesion process / Moral Communities,
• Deepen links between gov. civil society
  initiatives,
• Carry through this approach to service delivery,

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Conclusion

• Traditional institutions can play a significant
  role in development,
• This will allow culture to grow,
• Will help deal with challenge of poverty and
  joblessness,
• Will enhance status of women,

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Re a leboga, Siyabonga, Dankie, Thank you.