“Finding the goalposts”
Masculinities through sports clubs in Upington
68 USD
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“Finding the Goalposts” explores how sports clubs in Upington, South Africa, become dynamic spaces where young Black men actively shape and reshape ideals of masculinity. By focusing on the nuances of everyday interactions within these clubs, this study reveals how players negotiate complex expectations around responsibility, ambition, and vulnerability. Challenging simplistic stereotypes of “disciplined” or “bad-boy” athletes, this research highlights the diverse ways young men express their masculinity. From handshake rituals to responses to on-field tragedies, the book examines how players navigate public displays of care and affection. It also uncovers the importance of interconnectivity and the persistent stigmas surrounding open communication and emotional support among these young men. Ultimately, this ethnography moves beyond common narratives that portray men solely as victims or perpetrators. Instead, it provides a rich and nuanced understanding of how young Black men in South Africa actively create their own meanings of masculinity within the unique context of sports clubs. A must-read for anyone interested in gender, sports, and youth culture in contemporary South Africa.
