Centre for Development Support, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Centre for Health Systems Research & Development, Faculty of the Humanities, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Am J Mens Health. 2020 Jul-Aug;14(4):1557988320927285. doi: 10.1177/1557988320927285.
This article presents a case study of Simon, a 25-year old Black South African male. According to his Pedi customs, Simon underwent traditional male circumcision (TMC) as a 12-year-old adolescent. He tells of his fears relative to this experience and how, over time, he transitioned from a belief in TMC to a strong preference for medical male circumcision (MMC). Using a single-case study design, the aim of the research was to explore the value of the exercise of choice in TMC, which may influence cultural perceptions of gender and masculinity. The study unpacks the way in which the meaning and experience of TMC is shaped by the social and cultural contexts of South Africa. This qualitative exploration complements conventional medical accounts of circumcision, which are often focused on the medical procedure while ignoring cultural and social factors. Issues of gender, particularly the construction of hegemonic masculinity and how it positions men, women, and young boys in relation to each other and their communities, are discussed. Simon's case study provides new insights and perspectives on personally and culturally sensitive issues which are not easily accessed nor commonly understood. Data collected via in-depth interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Analysis applied information from the literature and key concepts from the theoretical standpoint of social constructivism. Case study analysis allowed space for unexpected, emergent themes to arise from the data. Four main themes were identified, notably language, silence, patriarchy, and masculinity.
本文呈现了一个名为西蒙的案例研究，他是一位 25 岁的南非黑人男性。根据他的波伊习俗，西蒙在 12 岁时接受了传统的男性割礼（TMC）。他讲述了自己对此经历的恐惧，以及随着时间的推移，他如何从相信 TMC 转变为强烈偏好医疗男性割礼（MMC）。本研究采用单一案例研究设计，旨在探讨 TMC 中选择的重要性，这可能会影响对性别和男性气质的文化观念。该研究揭示了 TMC 的意义和体验如何受到南非社会和文化背景的影响。这种定性探索补充了传统的割礼医疗描述，这些描述通常侧重于医疗程序，而忽略了文化和社会因素。讨论了性别问题，特别是霸权男性气质的构建方式，以及它如何将男性、女性和小男孩相互定位以及与他们的社区相互定位。西蒙的案例研究提供了关于个人和文化敏感问题的新见解和观点，这些问题不容易接触，也不容易理解。通过深入访谈收集的数据进行了转录和主题分析。分析应用了文献中的信息和社会建构主义理论立场的关键概念。案例研究分析为数据中出现意外的、新兴的主题留出了空间。确定了四个主要主题，即语言、沉默、父权制和男性气质。
