Masculinity in Congolese Society
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Date
2021-08-21
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Palgrave Macmillan, Cham
Abstract
Hegemonic masculinity is identified as one of the norms in some African societies, undermining the fight against gender inequality and violence. This chapter, therefore, explores hegemonic masculinities and their flip side—positive masculinity—and how the latter is reshaping the gender equality narrative. The chapter presents a unique case study example of these types of masculinities from fragile and conflict-affected country (FCAC) situations in Africa. In particular, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is given as an example of where positive masculinity emerges as a potential agent of social change that, if utilized effectively, could lay the foundations for effective implementation of UNSCR 1325 and other frameworks that seek to empower and protect women. The discussion in the chapter utilizes some of the latest scholarship on masculinities (James Messerschmidt, 2019) and societal cultural orientation, and considers the factors that create and recreate hegemonic masculinity in conflict-prevalent locations. This chapter uniquely brings out the evolution of positive masculinity in Congolese society, presenting six ways in which hegemonic masculinity is sustained in FCAC countries and the threats it poses to the implementation of the various Women, Peace and Security frameworks.
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Onditi, F., Odera, J. (2021). Masculinity in Congolese Society. In: Understanding Violence Against Women in Africa. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-71095-8_7