Polygyny and Gender: The Gendered Narratives of Adults Raised in Polygynous Families

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Zamambo V. Mkhize

Polygyny and Gender

The Gendered Narratives of Adults Raised in Polygynous Families

Zamambo V. Mkhize

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Hardback

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English

Routledge
01 December 2023

Literary studies: general; Regional studies; Humanities; Gender studies, gender groups; Sociology

The people of Africa have contrasting perspectives on gender, feminism, and the family from their Western counterparts. Similarly, social structures like, religion, capitalism and the law require a context-specific application to polygyny. This book examines the construction of gender identity in adults raised in Zulu polygynous families in the Hammarsdale area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It highlights the complexities of gender identities as participants negotiate between modern, constitutional, and individual freedoms and patriarchal, cultural, and communal customs and traditions.

The themes also point towards the argument between individuality and collectivism in the creation of gender identity within polygynous families in Zulu culture. The South African Constitution guarantees gender equality and individual rights and freedoms for its citizens, yet customary law practices, like polygyny, appear to contravene these principles. The participants reveal that although women and men experience different consequences, they cite similar prevalent factors like gender role socialisation, naming practices and the doctrine of seniority, influencing their gender identity construction.

Print edition not for sale in Sub Saharan Africa.

By: Zamambo V. Mkhize
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
Weight: 580g
ISBN: 9781032633930
ISBN 10: 103263393X
Pages: 218
Publication Date: 01 December 2023
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Zamambo Mkhize is lecturer in Gender Studies at the African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town. Her research focus includes modern polygyny, law, family, Zulu culture and African feminism.

Reviews for Polygyny and Gender: The Gendered Narratives of Adults Raised in Polygynous Families

‘With great skill, Zamambo Mkhize takes the reader through the intricate process of brokering individual autonomy and cultural expectations and demonstrates how this culminates in hybridised gender identities. The book’s uniqueness lies in underscoring how socially organising principles, such as seniority, naming and co-mothering, contribute to gender identity construction in polygynous families. The critical insights generated in this book will increase our understanding of gender dynamics in an African context.’ — Janet Muthuki, Senior Lecturer, Gender Studies Programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal