Ethnic Politics, Masculinity Wars of Sexuality and Male Targeted Violence During Times of Political Conflict and Unrest

Abstract

Traditional circumcision ceremonies hold profound cultural and social significance, often symbolizing the transition from childhood to adulthood in many societies. Anthropologist Arnold van Gennep’s (1960) theory of rites of passage elucidates how rituals like circumcision serve to demarcate and facilitate shifts in social status and identity. Victor Turner’s work further emphasizes the transformative nature of such rituals, highlighting how they entail the acquisition of greater responsibilities and roles within the community (Turner 1969). Shweder’s (2003) examination of cultural practices underscores the symbolic depth of circumcision, representing not only physical changes but also moral and social transformations. Within this cultural framework, circumcision embodies values of strength, courage and endurance, aligning with the community’s ideals of masculinity and resilience (Ahmed 2017). Consequently, for many boys, undergoing circumcision signifies not just personal pride but also a significant milestone toward earning respect and acceptance within their cultural context (Phiri 2021).