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

Webster, David

essay

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

tradition and transition in southern africa : festschrift for philip and iona mayer • Johannesburg, 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.

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