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

This book explores the construction of gender identity in adults raised in Zulu polygynous families in KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa, highlighting the complexities of gender identities as participants navigate between modern, constitutional, and individual freedoms and patriarchal, cultural, and communal customs and traditions. It also examines the argument between individuality and collectivism in the creation of gender identity within polygynous families in Zulu culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The people of Africa hold diverse viewpoints on gender, feminism, and the family, differing significantly from their Western counterparts. Similarly, social constructs such as religion, capitalism, and the law necessitate a context-specific approach to polygyny. This book delves into the construction of gender identity among adults raised in Zulu polygynous families in the Hammarsdale area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It sheds light on the intricate complexities of gender identities as individuals navigate between modern constitutional freedoms, patriarchal cultural customs, and communal traditions.

The themes also touch upon the ongoing debate between individuality and collectivism in the formation of gender identity within polygynous families in Zulu culture. While the South African Constitution upholds gender equality and individual rights and freedoms for its citizens, customary law practices, including polygyny, seem to contradict these principles. The participants reveal that, despite experiencing distinct consequences, women and men identify similar factors that shape their gender identity construction, such as gender role socialization, naming practices, and the doctrine of seniority.

It is important to note that this book is not available for purchase in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032633930