Main description:

Studies of gender in African Christianity have usually focused on women. This book draws attention to men and constructions of masculinity, particularly important in light of the HIV epidemic which has given rise to a critical investigation of dominant forms of masculinity. These are often associated with the spread of HIV, gender-based violence and oppression of women. Against this background Christian theologians and local churches in Africa seek to change men and transform masculinities. Exploring the complexity and ambiguity of religious gender discourses in contemporary African contexts, this book critically examines the ways in which some progressive African theologians, and a Catholic parish and a Pentecostal church in Zambia, work on a 'transformation of masculinities'.

Contents:

Contents: Intersecting masculinities, religion and AIDS: an introduction; Transforming masculinities towards gender justice: African theologians; Shaping responsible family men: masculinities in a Catholic parish; Promoting 'Biblical manhood': masculinities in a Pentecostal church; Comparing the trajectories and theologies to transform masculinities; Understanding transformations of masculinity: patriarchy, male agency and gender justice; Bibliography; Index.