Paper short abstract:

Exploring how male gender activists aiming at the reformation of male subjectivities in South Africa employ the notion of 'being called', the paper discusses relational aspects as well as the intersections between 'secular' and 'religious' dimensions of the calling.

Paper long abstract:

Building on ethnographic research conducted in metropolitan areas of Gauteng province, the paper explores the undertakings of activists aiming at the reformation of male subjectivities and gender roles in South Africa. The male gender activists attempt to influence other men to change their attitudes, pattern of behaviour and, ultimately, their self-understanding as men. When talking about their engagement, the men that will be at the centre of analysis draw on the idea of 'being called' or 'being sucked into activism'. By analysing narrative patterns and dramatic structures of these 'stories', this paper illustrates the ways in which ideas concerning professional aspirations are intertwined with the notion of sacrifice and divine intervention. Gender activists regularly invoke the idea of 'being called' to reassure and remind themselves as well as others of the significance of their engagement. What is more, narrative accounts of 'being called' are frequently used as a means to persuade listeners to reform themselves. Focusing on the question of how gender activists attempt to mobilise others through narrating their experience, the paper seeks to examine relational aspects of the calling. In doing so, the paper concludes that the intersection of 'secular' and 'religious' dimensions of the calling in these 'stories' adds to the persuasiveness and legitimacy of the activists' undertakings.