essay

Abafazi Bathonga Bafihlakala: ethnicity and gender in a KwaZulu border community

tradition and transition in southern africa : festschrift for philip and iona mayerJohannesburg, South Africa • Published In 1991 • Pages: 243-271

By: Webster, David.

Abstract
This article is concerned with one ethnographic puzzle: why is it that among the Thonga of Southern Africa a vast majority of men actively spurn their ethnic heritage while a large number of their womenfolk actively embrace it. It argues that the answer to this question should be explored by looking at a complex mix of historical forces relating to political struggles, colonialism, the creation of an ethnic identity, the interplay of cultural dynamics and the politics of the personal, especially gender relations, within the communities themselves.
Subjects
Cultural identity and pride
Cultural participation
Inter-ethnic relations
Acculturation and culture contact
External relations
Sociocultural trends
Labor supply and employment
Gender status
Inter-community relations
Family relationships
Division of labor by gender
Social personality
culture
Tsonga
HRAF PubDate
2010
Region
Africa
Sub Region
Southern Africa
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Teferi Abate Adem; 2010
Field Date
1986-1989
Coverage Date
1895-1989
Coverage Place
KwaZulu, South Africa
Notes
David Webster
Includes bibliographical references (p. 269-271)
LCSH
Tsonga (African peoples)