Notions of manhood by adolescent African boys in Ngove Vilage, Limpopo Province

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the notions of manhood by adolescent African boys in Ngove Village, Limpopo Province. The study sought to describe what it means to be a man according to African boys in a rural community. The study also described critical routes through which African boys transit from boyhood to manhood. The qualitative method was used. The sample consisted of 10 participants from Ngove Village, and was selected through purposive sampling. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data was analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Common themes around what it means to be a man were clearly delineated. Findings of this study suggest that manhood is a status that is earned when a male person possesses specific qualities that one’s community and culture consider to be in keeping with being a man. The findings of this study further suggested that from early childhood, African boys experience social pressure that compels them into channeling their behaviours into standards set by the community. Meanwhile it is maintained that the male gender is the primary element of manhood, it is strongly emphasised that the male person will need to display his manhood behaviourally.