Contradictions and internal tensions in promoting non-violent masculinities amongst adolescent boys in Alexandra Township, South Africa Malose Langa

Introduction The construction of hegemonic masculinity as a key influential element in risk-taking behaviours such as violent crime

Conflicting emotions and ambivalence Nathan: Yes. It’s like I am that simple guy. I wouldn’t say I am popular, I wouldn’t say I am a loser. I feel that I am in between. Simon: Yes, being like in between, you wouldn’t impress people doing bad things. And again you wouldn’t be that guy that doesn’t socialize, like you lock yourself out. Martin: “I hate to pretend. I just want to be myself”.

Rejecting tsotsi masculinity “let’s put five years down the line and see what is going to happen; who is going to be a bookworm, who is going to wash whose car, who is going to be whose garden boy, who is going to … you know stuff like that”.

Merc and big house

Bookworms

Big house

House with a swimming pool