A review of: Becoming Men. Black Masculinities in a South African Township

Abstract

The author studied a group of male participants (in Alexandra township, colloquially called Alex) from when they are teenagers to when they become young adults i.e. over a period of more than 10 years, for his PhD. The book focuses on unpacking the complexities and adversities that have an impact on the participants' masculinity and eventually who they become in society. Overall, each participant's life turns out differently despite all being brought up in a similar harsh environment of Alex. Participants' experiences range from those who were killed, jailed, having a qualification, being in a stable relationship, having a job to some making it and moving out of Alex.