Gender construction and gender inequities of youth in rural Zwelibomvu: Perspectives and experiences

In their formative years young minds, like sponges, have a capacity to absorb and retain whatever values they are expected to emulate. In this sense human behaviour is largely influenced by the way people are socialised within their diverse cultures. Family structure is viewed as one of the best institutions where socialisation takes place. Being the most vital social site, it is within this structure that our identities are mainly shaped. Within the family and during socialisation the norms of society, which mainly uphold patriarchal standards, lead to maintenance of the status quo of gender inequality as has been instilled throughout history. This Perspective examines the extent to which gender inequity has been inculcated in the minds of youth from a rural village of Zwelibomvu outside Pinetown in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, resulting in obscure perceptions of parenthood. It further purports to offer a role that communities can play in correcting notions such as these which contribute to the spread of HIV and AIDS, among other concerns. In keeping with changing times and empowered by feminist thinking, with Zwelibomvu as an example, the state of affairs that currently exists in most patriarchal societies is challenged.