What question did this study set out to answer?

This chapter aims to explore and understand alternative masculinities among young black men in post-apartheid South Africa.

May 25, 2026Open Access

'You don't want to die. You want to reach your goals': alternative voices among young black men in urban South Africa

Key Points

This chapter aims to explore and understand alternative masculinities among young black men in post-apartheid South Africa.
Conducted a longitudinal in-depth study focusing on young black men in urban South Africa.
Analyzed the fluidity of hyper-masculine and violent identities in different contexts.
Identified alternative masculinities that challenge traditional norms.
Found that hyper-masculine identities are not fixed and can change based on context.

Abstract

Drawing on a longitudinal in-depth study, this chapter argues for the need to hear and understand alternative masculinities in post-apartheid South Africa, and to bear in mind that even hyper-masculine, violent identities are fluid, and dependent on context. It is in that fluidity that additional opportunities for change may lie.

'You don't want to die. You want to reach your goals': alternative voices among young black men in urban South Africa

Key Points

Abstract

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider