ERIC Number: EJ1248959
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0256-8543
EISSN: N/A
How "Real Boys" Construct Heterosexuality on the Primary School Playground
Mayeza, Emmanuel; Bhana, Deevia
Journal of Research in Childhood Education, v34 n2 p267-276 2020
This study draws on focus group discussions to explore how 12- to 14-year-old boys in a low economic township primary school in South Africa construct their hegemonic identity as "real boys" in the school playground during break. Addressing masculinity and boys' investment in power is now a major research development in the country, especially in light of boys' and men's culpability in sexual and gender violence. What is often missing, however, is attention to younger boys and the construction of gender and sexuality in the primary school. Analysis of the data reveals that heterosexual masculine power is a major element in the construction of being a "real boy." "Real boys" express their power-based heterosexual identity in ways that objectify girls, while, at the same time, promoting a culture of gender violence through heterosexual competition and the policing of girls' sexual agency. The major finding in our article is that the school playground is an important site for hegemonic and heterosexual identities, where a "real boy" is displayed and given dominance during break time. Implications for addressing heterosexual masculinity among younger boys is vital.
Descriptors: Males, Sexual Orientation, Masculinity, Low Income Groups, Elementary School Students, Playgrounds, Foreign Countries, Power Structure, Sex Role, Gender Issues, Sexuality, Sexual Harassment, Peer Relationship
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A