Constructions and representations of masculinity as illustrated by males using photographic research.
Date
2012
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Abstract
Young masculinity has become a research priority in South Africa and internationally.
Several studies have focused on how masculinity is constructed, the subjective positions
young males occupy and the masculine identities young males adopt. There is a dearth of
literature that focuses on how masculinity is represented in South Africa. This study was a
secondary analysis of data collected in a previous study. This study aimed to understand how
young males visually represent their masculinity. Use was made of photographic data and
interviews collected in a previous study. Auto-photography was a useful methodology as it
provided insights into how masculinity is visually represented. Mixed method in the form of
content analysis and thematic analysis was used to analyse photographic data and interviews.
The results indicate that masculinity is visually represented in relation to material
commodities, social memberships, and 'doing; activities and other. The implications of
masculinity represented and constructed in terms of commodities, social membership, doing
and other is discussed.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.