Skip to main content

Masculinity and HIV/AIDS

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 Years On

Abstract

In the early stages of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, it was primarily men who were infected with HIV, but that trend has now reversed (WHO, 2003). In many countries the infection rates for young women are five times higher than young men (RHO Archives, 2005), and young women are generally infected at an earlier age than young men (Walsh cited in RHO Archives, 2005) (see Jewkes, Chapter 3 of this volume). In South Africa, over 50% of new infections of HIV occur among the 15–24 years age group, with black women affected significantly more than other demographically defined groups (Health24, 2006). Further, more women are dying of HIV/AIDS than men (Matlin and Spence cited in RHO Archives, 2005). In South Africa, the mortality rate for young women in the 25–30 years age group has increased 350% over the past 10 years, almost exclusively as a result of AIDS-related deaths.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Attwell, P. (2001). Real boys: Concepts of masculinity among school teachers. Unpublished master’s thesis, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barker, G., and Ricardo, C. (2005). Young men and the construction of masculinity in Sub-Saharan Africa: implications for HIV/AIDS, conflict, and violence. Social Development Papers, Conflict prevention & reconstruction. World Bank.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhana, D. (2005). ‘I’m the best in maths. Boys rule, girls drool.’ Masculinities, mathematics and primary schooling. Perspectives in Education, 23(3), 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blackbeard, D. (2008). Adolescent boys living with HIV. Unpublished manuscript, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg,

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J., Sorrell, J., and Raffaelli, M. (2005). An exploratory study of constructions of masculinity, sexuality and HIV/AIDS in Namibia, Southern Africa. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 7(6): 585–598.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bujra, J. (2000). Targeting men for a change: AIDS discourse and activism in Africa. Agenda, 44, 6–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bujra, J., and Bayllies, C. (2001). Targeting men for change. http://www.id21.org/static/inisghts35art2.htm. Accessed 10 April 2008.

  • Burnard, A. (2008). The challenges of constructing a non-hegemonic masculine identity: A study of Zulu speaking adolescent boys. Unpublished Masters thesis. Pietermaritzburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buve, A., Bishikwabo-Nzarhaza, K., and Mutangadura, G. (2002). The spread and effect of HIV-1 infection in Sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet, 359, 2011–2017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, C, Mzaidume, Y., and Williams, B. (1998). Gender as an obstacle to condom use: HIV prevention amongst commercial sex workers in a mining community. Agenda, 15(39), 50–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Connell, R. W. (1995). Masculinities. Polity Press, Cambridge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Connell, R.W. (2008). Masculinities and masculinity politics in world society. irw.rutgers.edu/lectures/connelllecture.pdf. Accessed 10 July 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies, N., and Eagle, G. (2007). ‘Nowadays they say…’: Adolescent peer counsellors’ appreciation of changes in the construction of masculinity. Psychology in Society, 35, 53–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doyal, L. (2002). Sex, gender and health: Need for new approach. http://archives.hst.org.za/gender-aids/msg00032.html. Accessed 10 April 2008.

  • Edley, N., and Wetherell, M. (1997). Jockeying for position: the construction of masculine identities. Discourse and Society, 8, 203–217.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Erasmus, P. (1998). Perspectives on black masculinity: The abortion debate in South Africa. South African Journal of Ethnology, 21, 203–206.

    Google Scholar 

  • Foreman, M. (Ed). (1999). AIDS and men: taking risks or taking responsibility. London: Panos.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gobind, R. (2005). South African men care enough to act against HIV/AIDS and general inequality: the MIPAA experience [Special Issue]. Agenda, 30(8), 144–145.

    Google Scholar 

  • Health24 (2006). Death stalks pupils: The impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on education means that few pupils will make it as far as matric. The Witness, p. 11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoosen, S., and Collins, A. (2004). Sex, sexuality and sickness: discourses of gender and HIV/AIDS among KwaZulu-Natal women. South African Journal of Psychology, 34(3), 464–486.

    Google Scholar 

  • Horizons Report (2004). Involving young men in HIV programs. (pp. 1–6). The Population Council. http://www.popcouncil.org. Accessed 1 June 2007.

  • Hunter, M. (2004). Masculinities, multiple-sexual-partners, and AIDS: the making and unmaking of isoka in KwaZulu-Natal. Transformation, 44(54), 123–153.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hunter, M. (2005). Cultural politics and masculinities. In G. Reid and L. Walker (Eds.), Men behaving differently (pp. 139–160). Cape Town: Double Story.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jewkes, R., Dunkle, K., Koss, M.P., Levin, J.P., Nduna, M., Nwabusa, J., and Sikweyiya, Y. (2006). Rape perpetration by young, rural South African men: prevalence, patterns and risk factors. Social Science and Medicine, 63, 2940–2961.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joseph, L., and Lindegger, G. (2007). The construction of adolescent masculinity by visually impaired adolescents. Psychology in Society, 35, 73–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kalichman, S.C., Simbayi, L.C., Cain, D., Cherry, N., Henda, N., and Cloete, A. (2007). Sexual assault, sexual risks and gender attitudes in a community sample of South African men. AIDS Care, 19, 20–27.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kent, A. (2004). Living life on the edge: examining space and sexualities within a township high school in Greater Durban in the context of the HIV epidemic. Transformation, 44(54), 59–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khunou, G. (2008). Paying your way and playing with the girls – township men and meaning of manhood: in the community. South African Labour Bulletin, 31(5), 48–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lemon, J. (1995). Masculinity in crisis? Agenda, 15(4), 61–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lindegger, G., and Maxwell, J. (2005). Gender analysis of targeted AIDS interventions. Melbourne, Australia: Oxfam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindegger, G., and Maxwell, J. (2007). Teenage masculinity: The double bind of conformity to hegemonic standards. In T. Shefer, K. Ratele, A. Strebel, N. Shabalala, and R. Buikema (Eds.), From boys to men (pp. 94–112). Cape Town: UCT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Luyt, R., and Foster, D. (2001). Hegemonic masculine conceptualisation in gang culture. South African Journal of Psychology, 31(3), 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • MacPhail, C. (1998). Adolescents and HIV in developing countries: New research directions. Psychology in Society, 24, 69–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Magongo, B., Magwaza, S., Mathambo, V., and Makhanya, N. (2002). National Report on the assessment of the public sector’s voluntary counselling and testing programme. Durban: Health Systems Trust.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moletsane, R. (2004). Real men don’t rape: HIV/AIDS by men. Children First, 8(54), 10–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mork-Chadwick, A. (2007). Constructions of masculinity and masculine identity positions within a group of male university students. Unpublished Masters thesis, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermariztburg.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrell, R. (2001), Silence, sexuality and HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Gender, sexuality and HIV/AIDS: Research and intervention in Africa. http://jbr.org/articles.html. Accessed 30 September 2007.

  • Morrell, R. (2002). Men, movement and gender transformation in South Africa. Journal of Men’s Studies, 10, 309–321.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mtutu, R. (2005). Redefining masculinity in the ear of HIV/AIDS: Padare’s work on masculinity in Zimbabwe [Special Issue]. Agenda, 30(8), 138–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mullick, S., Kunene, B., and Wanjiru, M. (2005). Involving men in maternity care: health service delivery issues [Special Issue]. Agenda, 30(8), 124–135.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naidoo, K., Matebeni, Z., and Pietersen-Snyman, M. (2004). Complexities and challenges: men’s responses to HIV and AIDS in Winterveld, South Africa. Commonwealth Youth and Development, 2(2), 45–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ndlazi, T. (2004). Men in church institutions and religious organization: the role of Christian men in transforming gender relations and ensuring gender equality. Agenda, 24(61), 62–65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Panos Institute/Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (Panos/UNAIDS). (2001). Young men and HIV: culture, poverty and HIV risk (Report No. 41). http://www.panos.org.uk. Accessed 20 May 2007.

  • Pattman, R. (2002) ‘Men make a difference: the construction of gendered student identities at the University of Botswana’, special issue on education, youth and HIV/AIDS, Agenda, 53, 33–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pattman, R. (2005). ‘Boys and girls should not be too close’: sexuality, the identities of African boys and girls and HIV/AIDS education. Sexualities, 8(4), 497–516.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pattman, R., and Bhana, D. (2006). Black boys with bad reputations. Alternation, 2, 252–272.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peacock, D. (2005). Urgency and optimism: masculinities, gender equality and public health [Special Issue]. Agenda, 30(8), 146–153.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peacock, D., Khumalo, B., and McNab, E. (2006). Men and gender activism in South Africa: observations, critique and recommendations for the future. Agenda, 69, 71–82.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pinnock, D. (February 12, 2007). The big stick won’t solve crime. Sunday Independent.

    Google Scholar 

  • Potgieter, C. (2006). Masculine bodies, feminine symbols: challenging gendered identities or compulsory femininity? Agenda, 67, 116–127.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reicher, S. (2004). The context of social identity: Domination, resistance, and change. Political Psychology, 25(6), 921–945.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reicher, S., Haslam, S. A., and Hopkins, N. (2005). Social identity and the dynamics of leadership: Leaders and followers as collaborative agents in the transformation of social reality. The Leadership Quarterly, 16(4), 547–568.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reid, G., and Walker, L. (2005a). Men behaving differently: South African Men Since 1994. Cape Town: Double Story.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reid. G., and Walker, L. (2005b). Masculinities in question. In G. Reid and L. Walker (Eds.), Men behaving differently: South African men since 1994 (pp. 1–20). Cape Town: Double Story.

    Google Scholar 

  • RHO archives. (2005). Special focus: Gender and HIV/AIDS. http://www.rho.org/html/hiv_aids_special_focus.htm. Accessed 10 April 2008.

  • Scalway, T. (2001). Young men and HIV: Culture, poverty and sexual risk. London: The Panos Institute/UNAIDS.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seidler, V. (2006). Young men and masculinities. London: Zed Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Selikow, T., Zulu, B., and Cedras, E. (2002). The ingagara, the regte and the cherry: HIV/AIDS and youth culture in contemporary urban townships. Agenda, 28(53), 22–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shefer, T., and Ruiters, K. (1998). The masculine construct in heterosex. Agenda, 16(37), 39–45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sideris, T. (2005). ‘You have to change and you don’t know how’: Contesting what it means to be a man in a rural area of South Africa. In G. Reid and L. Walker (Eds.), Men behaving differently (pp. 111–138). Cape Town: Double Story.

    Google Scholar 

  • Silberschmidt, M. (2004). Men, male sexuality and HIV/AIDS: refelctions from studies in rural and urban East Africa. Transformation, 44(54), 42–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simpson, A. (2008). Men and masculinities in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Zambia. ESRC Society Today. http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/esrcinfocentre/viewawardpage.aspx?award-1673. Accessed 10 July 2008.

  • Sikweyiya, Y., Jewkes, R., and Morrell, R. (2007). Talking about rape: South African men’s responses to questions about rape. Agenda, 74, 48–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smuts, J. (2006). Male trouble: independent women and male dependency in a white working-class suburb of Pretoria. Agenda, 68: 80–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sonke Gender Justice Network. (2007). South African Country Report. Johannesburg.

    Google Scholar 

  • Strebel, A., and Lindegger,G. (1998). Changing discourses of AIDS. Psychology in Society, 24, 4–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Talbot, K., and Quayle, M. (2008). Nice guys finish last: women’s narratives of ideal masculinity. Paper presented at the Critical Methods conference, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorpe, M. (2002). Masculinity in an HIV intervention. Agenda, 28(53), 61–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorpe, M. (2005). Learning about HIV/AIDS in schools: Does a gender-equality approach make a difference? In S.A. Aikman and E. Unterhalter (Eds.), Beyond access: Transforming policy and practice for gender equality in education (pp. 199–211). Oxford: Oxfam.

    Google Scholar 

  • van der Riet, M. (2008, June). But my system’s not in crisis!: Using an activity system analysis to understand lack of behaviour change in the midst of HIV/AIDS. UKZN School of Psychology Research Colloquium Programme, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Varga, C. (2001). The forgotten fifty per cent: A review of sexual and reproductive health research and programs focused on boys and young men in Sub-Saharan Africa. Africa Journal of Reproductive Health, 5(3), 175–195.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Waetjen, T., and Mare, G. (1999). Workers and warriors: Inkhatha’s politics of masculinity in the 1980s. Journal of contemporary African studies, 17(2), 197–216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walker, L. (2005). Negotiating the boundaries of masculinity in post-apartheid South Africa. In G. Reid and L. Walker (Eds.), Men behaving differently (pp. 161–182). Cape Town: Double Story.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wetherell, M., and Edley, N. (1998). Negotiating hegemonic masculinity: imaginary positions and psycho-discursive practices, Feminism & Psychology, 9, 335–356.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2003). Gender and HIV/AIDS. Gender and HIV/AIDS. Geneva, UNAIDS.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zakwe, M. (2005). The raising of a Zulu man. Agenda, 64, 142–147.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Lindegger, G., Quayle, M. (2009). Masculinity and HIV/AIDS. In: Rohleder, P., Swartz, L., Kalichman, S., Simbayi, L. (eds) HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 Years On. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0306-8_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0306-8_4

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-0305-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-0306-8

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics