Listening otherwise in the face of gender-based violence in South Africa: a critical exploration of the listening deficiencies in public narratives and a listening-based framework for healing and social change
- Authors: Bombi, Thandi
- Date: 2025-04-02
- Subjects: Gender-based violence , Rhetoric Social aspects , Interviewing in journalism , Facilitation , Social change
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478515 , vital:78193 , DOI 10.21504/10962/478515
- Description: South Africa has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence (GBV) in the world. This includes femicide, rape and intimate partner violence. Scholars and activists in the space of GBV have challenged society to alter the way we have been taught to engage with rape and gender-based violence. Despite many interventions, gender-based violence remains an intractable social problem. This study uses Lipari’s (2014) concept of “listening otherwise” to respond to the challenge. By interrogating how South Africa’s violent history and patriarchal society has been normalised, the study attempts to see beyond the narrow ideas prescribed by the country’s history and violent cultures. This study uses the grounded theory approach (Glaser & Strauss 1967) to investigate the relationship between listening and gender-based violence in South Africa. The concept of “listening otherwise” is explored alongside the concepts “voice”, “speak out” and “break the silence” that are the most visible and codified strategies in the fight against gender-based violence. Following the exploration, the study then develops a theoretical and methodological framework for “listening otherwise” in the spaces, fields, and engagements that deal with gender-based violence in South Africa. The two central questions of the study ask; how do we reshape the collective emotional response to patriarchal structural violence? And furthermore, how do we listen otherwise when faced with experiences of gender-based violence in South Africa? The data used to construct the framework includes in-depth interviews, studies of actual cases, academic literature, news interviews and newspaper articles. There are a multitude of ways in which people are talking about gender-based violence, exposing perpetrators and “breaking the silence”. There is, in fact, no silence around rape, gender-based violence and femicide. The silence exists around engagements about gender, misogyny and patriarchy when discussing the causes of gendered violence in the country. This research found that the public’s listening practices around gender-based violence are shaped by patriarchal cultures and rape myths which are endemic in media discourses, legal discourses and in general social talk. Building a caring society, in which people play and use restorative justice practices, may alter the communal listening practices and have an impact on the public response to gender-based violence. The framework for listening otherwise, that emerged as a result of the research, is a contribution to listening scholarship and the activism against gender-based violence. The framework considered various aspects of listening and the field of gender-based violence and arrived at six conceptual considerations and six actions for listening otherwise. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-02
- Authors: Bombi, Thandi
- Date: 2025-04-02
- Subjects: Gender-based violence , Rhetoric Social aspects , Interviewing in journalism , Facilitation , Social change
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/478515 , vital:78193 , DOI 10.21504/10962/478515
- Description: South Africa has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence (GBV) in the world. This includes femicide, rape and intimate partner violence. Scholars and activists in the space of GBV have challenged society to alter the way we have been taught to engage with rape and gender-based violence. Despite many interventions, gender-based violence remains an intractable social problem. This study uses Lipari’s (2014) concept of “listening otherwise” to respond to the challenge. By interrogating how South Africa’s violent history and patriarchal society has been normalised, the study attempts to see beyond the narrow ideas prescribed by the country’s history and violent cultures. This study uses the grounded theory approach (Glaser & Strauss 1967) to investigate the relationship between listening and gender-based violence in South Africa. The concept of “listening otherwise” is explored alongside the concepts “voice”, “speak out” and “break the silence” that are the most visible and codified strategies in the fight against gender-based violence. Following the exploration, the study then develops a theoretical and methodological framework for “listening otherwise” in the spaces, fields, and engagements that deal with gender-based violence in South Africa. The two central questions of the study ask; how do we reshape the collective emotional response to patriarchal structural violence? And furthermore, how do we listen otherwise when faced with experiences of gender-based violence in South Africa? The data used to construct the framework includes in-depth interviews, studies of actual cases, academic literature, news interviews and newspaper articles. There are a multitude of ways in which people are talking about gender-based violence, exposing perpetrators and “breaking the silence”. There is, in fact, no silence around rape, gender-based violence and femicide. The silence exists around engagements about gender, misogyny and patriarchy when discussing the causes of gendered violence in the country. This research found that the public’s listening practices around gender-based violence are shaped by patriarchal cultures and rape myths which are endemic in media discourses, legal discourses and in general social talk. Building a caring society, in which people play and use restorative justice practices, may alter the communal listening practices and have an impact on the public response to gender-based violence. The framework for listening otherwise, that emerged as a result of the research, is a contribution to listening scholarship and the activism against gender-based violence. The framework considered various aspects of listening and the field of gender-based violence and arrived at six conceptual considerations and six actions for listening otherwise. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04-02
The making of masculinities: the hidden curriculum about Gender-Based Violence and Rape Culture at an elite private school in South Africa
- Authors: Talbot, Alexandreo Zinhle
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Masculinity South Africa , Private schools South Africa , Rape culture , Gender-based violence , Hegemony , High school students Attitudes , Hierarchies
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466038 , vital:76679
- Description: This study examines the formation of ‘ruling class’ masculinities and their relationship to gender-based violence (GBV) and rape culture at an elite private school (called Blue School for the purposes of this study). Through interviews with alumni, the research explores the recollections and narratives of young men in terms of how they navigated and experienced masculine identity formation in the school context during their adolescence, and also deciphers their awareness regarding GBV and rape culture. The findings demonstrate that identity formation within the school studied is complex and often reflected as a Western-centric masculinity drenched in heteronormativity. This is captured through the shared experiences alumni of the school regarding their adherence to traditional values, submission to hierarchical structures, collective mockery of vulnerability and the instillation of competitive individualism. The alumni speak to the ways in which boyhood and gender are conceptualised through the taught curriculum, contrasted with the hidden scripts of masculinities in the boarding school environment. The complex interplay between institutional culture and the formation of gender identities shows a superficial adherence to progressive ideals, unveiling the entrenched hegemonic practices that reinforce restrictive norms. Most alumni expressed a sense of living in an isolated bubble, where wrongdoings are swept under the carpet. Through these practices, elite private schools depict institutional blindness as an entangled strategy to protect institutional reputation and capital. Insinuating irrelevance of GBV within elite private boys’ schools emphasises the racist and homophobic discourses that deem who is capable of performing and experiencing gendered and sexual violence. By drawing on African feminism and Foucault, the study provides insight into the pervasive disciplinary mechanisms and their lasting impact on the alumni’s personal and social embodiment of masculinity. This highlights the urgent need for a reimagined approach to masculinity that is inclusive and cognizant of historical and socio-political nuances. The thesis calls for a systemic examination of the elite private school system across South Africa and African-centred pro-feminist educational strategies to address the genealogical discourses embedded in these institutions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
- Authors: Talbot, Alexandreo Zinhle
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Masculinity South Africa , Private schools South Africa , Rape culture , Gender-based violence , Hegemony , High school students Attitudes , Hierarchies
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466038 , vital:76679
- Description: This study examines the formation of ‘ruling class’ masculinities and their relationship to gender-based violence (GBV) and rape culture at an elite private school (called Blue School for the purposes of this study). Through interviews with alumni, the research explores the recollections and narratives of young men in terms of how they navigated and experienced masculine identity formation in the school context during their adolescence, and also deciphers their awareness regarding GBV and rape culture. The findings demonstrate that identity formation within the school studied is complex and often reflected as a Western-centric masculinity drenched in heteronormativity. This is captured through the shared experiences alumni of the school regarding their adherence to traditional values, submission to hierarchical structures, collective mockery of vulnerability and the instillation of competitive individualism. The alumni speak to the ways in which boyhood and gender are conceptualised through the taught curriculum, contrasted with the hidden scripts of masculinities in the boarding school environment. The complex interplay between institutional culture and the formation of gender identities shows a superficial adherence to progressive ideals, unveiling the entrenched hegemonic practices that reinforce restrictive norms. Most alumni expressed a sense of living in an isolated bubble, where wrongdoings are swept under the carpet. Through these practices, elite private schools depict institutional blindness as an entangled strategy to protect institutional reputation and capital. Insinuating irrelevance of GBV within elite private boys’ schools emphasises the racist and homophobic discourses that deem who is capable of performing and experiencing gendered and sexual violence. By drawing on African feminism and Foucault, the study provides insight into the pervasive disciplinary mechanisms and their lasting impact on the alumni’s personal and social embodiment of masculinity. This highlights the urgent need for a reimagined approach to masculinity that is inclusive and cognizant of historical and socio-political nuances. The thesis calls for a systemic examination of the elite private school system across South Africa and African-centred pro-feminist educational strategies to address the genealogical discourses embedded in these institutions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
Ukuma njenge ndoda: the making of Xhosa masculinities in Mthatha, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Silosini, Tandokazi
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Xhosa (African people) South Africa Mthatha , Men, Black South Africa Mthatha , Men Identity , Masculinity , Gender-based violence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466317 , vital:76717
- Description: This study examines how young men construct their masculine identities in daily life through the collection of activities that happen throughout young men's lives in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. The aim of the research is to examine how black men construct their identity as men. It seeks to examine the everyday ways in which young men speak of their masculinity, how they understand themselves in relation to women and the causes of gender-based and sexual violence in South Africa. The study conceptualises Xhosa masculinities and manhood within the framework of masculinist violence and the state. It demonstrates the intersection of manhood violence and the state within the discipline of international relations which is characterised by ideas of state security and war. Interviews with Xhosa men in Mthatha illuminated that boys are raised to be men who stand, articulated as ukuma njenge ndoda (standing up as a man), for themselves, family and community. Ukuma operates as an assertion and protection of self, a demonstration of independence and being self-sustaining. It importantly speaks to the gendered division of labour where over and above standing up for oneself, it is a man’s duty and responsibility “ukumela izinto zekhaya” – to stand up for his home and family. This thesis shows that the different forms that ukuma carry with them expectations of dominance and control or at least maintain the appearance of it. Ultimately, the concept of ukuma serves as a way to legitimise the use of force or violence in certain instances where men feel that an act of violence constitutes ukuzimela (standing up for himself) or ukumela ikhaya (standing up for his family). The masculinising of this duty implicates not only the men it is bestowed upon the women and children who are the ones supposedly protected and provided for. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
- Authors: Silosini, Tandokazi
- Date: 2024-10-11
- Subjects: Xhosa (African people) South Africa Mthatha , Men, Black South Africa Mthatha , Men Identity , Masculinity , Gender-based violence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466317 , vital:76717
- Description: This study examines how young men construct their masculine identities in daily life through the collection of activities that happen throughout young men's lives in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. The aim of the research is to examine how black men construct their identity as men. It seeks to examine the everyday ways in which young men speak of their masculinity, how they understand themselves in relation to women and the causes of gender-based and sexual violence in South Africa. The study conceptualises Xhosa masculinities and manhood within the framework of masculinist violence and the state. It demonstrates the intersection of manhood violence and the state within the discipline of international relations which is characterised by ideas of state security and war. Interviews with Xhosa men in Mthatha illuminated that boys are raised to be men who stand, articulated as ukuma njenge ndoda (standing up as a man), for themselves, family and community. Ukuma operates as an assertion and protection of self, a demonstration of independence and being self-sustaining. It importantly speaks to the gendered division of labour where over and above standing up for oneself, it is a man’s duty and responsibility “ukumela izinto zekhaya” – to stand up for his home and family. This thesis shows that the different forms that ukuma carry with them expectations of dominance and control or at least maintain the appearance of it. Ultimately, the concept of ukuma serves as a way to legitimise the use of force or violence in certain instances where men feel that an act of violence constitutes ukuzimela (standing up for himself) or ukumela ikhaya (standing up for his family). The masculinising of this duty implicates not only the men it is bestowed upon the women and children who are the ones supposedly protected and provided for. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-10-11
Exploring the views of selected, unafflicted women from Walvis bay and Windhoek, Namibia, regarding intimate partner killing and its effect on their well-being.
- Authors: Amadhila,Luise Utuhole
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Intimate partner violence , Gender-based violence , Post-traumatic stress disorder in women
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63653 , vital:73575
- Description: Intimate Partner Killing (IPK), popularly known as passion killing in certain regions, such as in southern parts of Africa, Europe, and America, and also referred to as intimate partner homicide, is a global concern. In Namibia, the rate at which men take the lives of their intimate partners due to failed romantic relationships has sparked apprehension within the communities. This study delves into the perspectives of unafflicted women in Namibia, shedding light on the broader impact of intimate partner killing on female well-being. Using a qualitative approach, the study conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 14 participants. Grounded theory was applied to analyse the collected data and form categories from it. The data were transcribed and analysed using codes, thematic analysis, and interpretation. The theoretical frameworks intersectionality theory, social feminist theory, structuralist theory and systems theory underpin this study. The findings reveal that intimate partner killing severely affects women’s mental health, leading to vicarious trauma characterised by fear and anxiety. Participants reported difficulty experiencing positive emotions in their romantic relationships due to the pervasive uncertainty of this growing issue. Intimate partner killing leaves women feeling scared, unsafe, and traumatised, often prompting them to exercise extreme caution in their relationships to avoid becoming victims themselves. Symptoms such as feeling unsafe, scared, and traumatised align with post-traumatic stress and generalised anxiety. The study recommends implementing policy interventions and stringent laws in Namibia to prevent or discourage men from resorting to violence against their loved ones. Moreover, establishing assistance centres staffed with social work and mental health professionals is crucial to counselling and supporting women experiencing post-traumatic stress and anxiety resulting from intimate partner violence. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of behavioural Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Amadhila,Luise Utuhole
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Intimate partner violence , Gender-based violence , Post-traumatic stress disorder in women
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63653 , vital:73575
- Description: Intimate Partner Killing (IPK), popularly known as passion killing in certain regions, such as in southern parts of Africa, Europe, and America, and also referred to as intimate partner homicide, is a global concern. In Namibia, the rate at which men take the lives of their intimate partners due to failed romantic relationships has sparked apprehension within the communities. This study delves into the perspectives of unafflicted women in Namibia, shedding light on the broader impact of intimate partner killing on female well-being. Using a qualitative approach, the study conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 14 participants. Grounded theory was applied to analyse the collected data and form categories from it. The data were transcribed and analysed using codes, thematic analysis, and interpretation. The theoretical frameworks intersectionality theory, social feminist theory, structuralist theory and systems theory underpin this study. The findings reveal that intimate partner killing severely affects women’s mental health, leading to vicarious trauma characterised by fear and anxiety. Participants reported difficulty experiencing positive emotions in their romantic relationships due to the pervasive uncertainty of this growing issue. Intimate partner killing leaves women feeling scared, unsafe, and traumatised, often prompting them to exercise extreme caution in their relationships to avoid becoming victims themselves. Symptoms such as feeling unsafe, scared, and traumatised align with post-traumatic stress and generalised anxiety. The study recommends implementing policy interventions and stringent laws in Namibia to prevent or discourage men from resorting to violence against their loved ones. Moreover, establishing assistance centres staffed with social work and mental health professionals is crucial to counselling and supporting women experiencing post-traumatic stress and anxiety resulting from intimate partner violence. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of behavioural Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Gender-Based Violence Among University Students: A Need Assessment
- Authors: Nxedlana, Khayakazi Okuhle
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Gender-based violence , University students , Walter Sisulu University
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/13476 , vital:78936
- Description: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive public health issue that significantly affects women’s mental, physical, and social well-being. In South Africa, the prevalence of GBV is alarmingly high, with numerous reports indicating that female students are particularly vulnerable. This study investigated the perceived determinants of GBV among female students at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Mthatha Campus and assessed their needs for effective prevention strategies… , Degree: M. Public Health
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Nxedlana, Khayakazi Okuhle
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Gender-based violence , University students , Walter Sisulu University
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/13476 , vital:78936
- Description: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive public health issue that significantly affects women’s mental, physical, and social well-being. In South Africa, the prevalence of GBV is alarmingly high, with numerous reports indicating that female students are particularly vulnerable. This study investigated the perceived determinants of GBV among female students at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Mthatha Campus and assessed their needs for effective prevention strategies… , Degree: M. Public Health
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
An exploration of factors contributing to gender-based violence among university students in selected universities of South Africa
- Nobevu, luyolo Renald https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0494-2164
- Authors: Nobevu, luyolo Renald https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0494-2164
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Gender-based violence , Sexual harassment in education , College students
- Language: English
- Type: Master'stheses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27050 , vital:66243
- Description: Gender-based violence among university students is a major problem in South Africa and the world at large. The incidence of gender-based violence among university students is increasing for both males and females. In South Africa, many university students are likely to be victims of both direct and indirect gender-based violence this brings to doubt the efficacy of policies to address gender-based violence. This study explored factors contributing to gender-based violence among university students in selected universities of South Africa. The study opted for a qualitative research approach to achieve its primary aim. The study used the case study research design. Furthermore, the study utilised a non-probability sampling method and purposive sampling technique to generate a sample size of 25 participants. Participants were selected based on the supposed value they would add to the study. The study employed in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, secondary data, and key informant interviews for the data collection method. There were three focus groups with 4 participants each, and two of the groups comprised university students and one of the key informants. The Modified lifestyle exposure model of personal victimisation and the Gender Role theory formed the theoretical framework that guided the study. The study established that even though many universities have develop policies to address gender-based violence there is poor implementation. This may be the result of not monitoring effectively which led the policy to be invisible to the students only appear on paper not into practice. In addition, many university students who are the victims of gender-based violence do not report their experiences to authorities in their institutions or to the police because of the fear that they can be victimised again or their perpetrators are those who are in authorities. Meanwhile, the universities do not have sufficient programs for GBV , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-11
- Authors: Nobevu, luyolo Renald https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0494-2164
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Gender-based violence , Sexual harassment in education , College students
- Language: English
- Type: Master'stheses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27050 , vital:66243
- Description: Gender-based violence among university students is a major problem in South Africa and the world at large. The incidence of gender-based violence among university students is increasing for both males and females. In South Africa, many university students are likely to be victims of both direct and indirect gender-based violence this brings to doubt the efficacy of policies to address gender-based violence. This study explored factors contributing to gender-based violence among university students in selected universities of South Africa. The study opted for a qualitative research approach to achieve its primary aim. The study used the case study research design. Furthermore, the study utilised a non-probability sampling method and purposive sampling technique to generate a sample size of 25 participants. Participants were selected based on the supposed value they would add to the study. The study employed in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, secondary data, and key informant interviews for the data collection method. There were three focus groups with 4 participants each, and two of the groups comprised university students and one of the key informants. The Modified lifestyle exposure model of personal victimisation and the Gender Role theory formed the theoretical framework that guided the study. The study established that even though many universities have develop policies to address gender-based violence there is poor implementation. This may be the result of not monitoring effectively which led the policy to be invisible to the students only appear on paper not into practice. In addition, many university students who are the victims of gender-based violence do not report their experiences to authorities in their institutions or to the police because of the fear that they can be victimised again or their perpetrators are those who are in authorities. Meanwhile, the universities do not have sufficient programs for GBV , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-11
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