Generation, Gender and Negotiating Custom in South Africa

This book explores how customary practices in South Africa have shaped negotiation and contestation over human rights, gender, and generational power. It offers valuable insights into the realities of regulating personal relationships in complex social fields, contributing to a broader understanding of gender and power dynamics in contemporary South Africa.

Format: Hardback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 17 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of negotiation and contestation surrounding human rights, gender, and generational power in South Africa. Through a rich array of original empirical studies, it offers invaluable insights into the realities of regulating personal relationships within complex social fields where customary practices are negotiated. Not only does this book enhance our understanding of how customary practices are experienced in contemporary South Africa, but it also makes significant contributions to the broader discourse on the experiences, impacts, and ongoing negotiations surrounding the transformation of gender and generational power structures and rights in the country.

This book appeals to scholars and researchers across a wide range of disciplines, including sociology, family/customary law, gender studies, social policy, and African Studies. Its multidisciplinary approach provides a holistic understanding of the complex interplay between tradition, modernity, and social change in South Africa.

The book is organized into five chapters, each exploring different aspects of the interplay between customary practices, human rights, and gender dynamics. In the first chapter, the authors provide an overview of the historical and cultural context of customary practices in South Africa, highlighting their significance in shaping social relationships and institutions. They argue that while customary practices have been widely accepted and respected, they can also perpetuate inequality and discrimination, particularly against women and marginalized communities.

Chapter 2 explores the ways in which customary practices intersect with legal frameworks and institutions in South Africa. The authors examine the challenges and opportunities presented by the coexistence of customary law and statutory law, as well as the role of traditional leaders and other stakeholders in mediating conflicts and promoting gender equality. They also discuss the impact of colonialism and apartheid on customary practices and the efforts made by activists and policymakers to reclaim and revitalize indigenous knowledge systems.

Chapter 3 focuses on the experiences of women and girls in South Africa, particularly in relation to customary practices. The authors examine the ways in which gender norms and stereotypes are reinforced through customary practices, such as bride price, polygamy, and child marriage. They also explore the strategies employed by women and girls to challenge and resist these practices, as well as the role of social movements and legal interventions in promoting gender equality.

Chapter 4 examines the dynamics of generational power and inheritance in South Africa, particularly in the context of customary practices. The authors explore the ways in which traditional leaders and other stakeholders use customary practices to maintain control over land, resources, and social status, often at the expense of younger generations. They also discuss the challenges faced by young people in accessing education, employment, and political participation, and the efforts made by activists and policymakers to promote intergenerational equity and social mobility.

Chapter 5 concludes the book by reflecting on the implications of the findings for policy and practice in South Africa. The authors argue that while customary practices can be a source of cultural richness and identity, they must be reconciled with human rights and gender equality principles. They suggest that policymakers and activists should work towards promoting a more inclusive and equitable society by engaging with traditional leaders, communities, and other stakeholders to develop policies and programs that respect and promote customary practices while also addressing gender inequality and other social challenges.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of social sciences. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between customary practices, human rights, and gender dynamics in South Africa. Through its original empirical studies and multidisciplinary approach, it offers valuable insights into the realities of regulating personal relationships in complex social fields and contributes to the broader discussion on the experiences, impact, and ongoing negotiations around changing structures of gender and generational power and rights in contemporary South Africa. This book will be of interest to researchers, policymakers, and activists working in the fields of sociology, family/customary law, gender studies, social policy, and African Studies.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367706524