Young men and the construction of masculinity in sub-Saharan Africa: implications for HIV/AIDS, conflict, and violence

Promoting alternative masculinities in sub-Saharan Africa

By: Barker G & Ricardo C
Published by: World Bank Publications , 2005
Via: Eldis

This report discusses the role of young men in the perpetuation of violence and the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa, and outlines the kind of programme interventions that can support alternative forms of masculinity. It argues that applying a more sophisticated gender analysis as it relates to conflict and HIV/AIDS is essential in order to understand how both women and men are made vulnerable by rigid ideas of masculinity and gender hierarchies. Throughout the report references are made to alternative, non-violent forms of masculinity and to elements of traditional socialisation in Africa which promote more gender-equitable attitudes on the part of young men. Included are examples of young men whose stories reveal ways in which men can question and counter prevailing norms of masculinity.