Morality and sexual rights: constructions of masculinity, femininity and sexuality among a group of South African soldiers

Abstract

This paper describes how South African soldiers draw on notions of gender, sexuality and morality in their constructions of identity and heterosexual sexuality. Popular discourses around HIV and AIDS in South Africa and elsewhere have highlighted the centrality of notions of morality, many of them problematic, in the response to the epidemic. In Southern Africa, the centrality of heterosexuality to HIV transmission has triggered a focus on morality in sexuality, including calls for abstinence or, in married relationships, monogamy. This paper discusses the findings of a research study that explored male soldiers' constructions of masculinity, sexuality and risky sexual practices. Discourses that emerged reflected dominant attitudes regarding men and women's sexual rights and, in particular, the moralisation of women's sexuality.

Keywords:

• South Africa
• military
• masculinity
• heterosexuality
• sexual rights

Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to Prof. Tony Naidoo and Prof. Tamara Shefer, supervisors of the doctoral study (awarded by Stellenbosch University) on which the paper is based. The author is also grateful to Prof. Douglas Wassenaar and Ms Debbie Marais who edited this article. Funding from the National Research Foundation is gratefully acknowledged.

Notes

1. This is a South African terminology for mixed race.

2. Pseudonyms are used.

3. … indicates hesitation; [ ] indicates where information has been omitted; brackets indicate clarification of a word or filling in of the missing words, e.g. (the).