Paper short abstract:

The paper presents a critical examination of patriarchal power-values in African cultures as they manifest today, in relation to indigenous epistemologies. A decolonial transformation of masculinity is suggested, by creating a liberating curriculum for future-oriented male development.

Paper long abstract:

It has become commonplace to describe African cultures as intrinsically founded on patriarchal hierarchies of power. We have gotten used to seeing men as the most favored leaders, decision makers and heroes. In addition, men are also seen as the instigators of violence through domestic abuse and political conflicts. Does this, then, mean that African cosmology encourages and excuses male dominance and oppression? If men increasingly are seen as “problematic”, what should then be the future of African men?

Through the work of scholars such as Cheikh Anta Diop, Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyěwùmí, Ifi Amadiume and Sakhumzi Mfecane, we are made aware of a quite different gender-script within African indigenous knowledge. They highlight that African cultures – before imperialistic invasions – practiced equity between women and men, interpreted gender as situational/relational and understood meaningful manhood as an outcome of collectively guided learning journeys.

This paper will argue the need for – as part of a broader decolonization process – African masculinity development to be re-examined and informed by indigenous epistemologies, in order to foster the development of boys and men that are necessary for Africa’s future. Applying a decolonial lens, the paper will examine (masculine) power in light of history, politics and socio-economic marginalization, and further outline a liberating curriculum for future-oriented male development, rooted in indigenous knowledge systems.

The presentation will build on the researcher’s long-standing investigations and practical work on African masculinity in South Africa and his current research on challenges affecting Black men in Norway.