Chiweshe on Misogyny in Zimbabwean Football

[Richard Pithouse]

The 2012 Critical Studies Seminar Series hosted by the Departments of Politics & International Studies and Sociology at Rhodes University

Presenter: Manase Chiweshe, Postdoctoral Fellow (Sociology, Rhodes)

Topic: Of Goals and Whores: Football Fandom and Misogynistic Songs at the Rufaro Stadium in Zimbabwe

Venue: Department of Politics & International Relations Seminar Room

Date & Time: Friday 17 August 2012: 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

It will be assumed that all participants have read the attached paper.

Abstract:

This paper focuses on the creation and recreation of women's bodies through
songs and chants among football fans which are misogynistic in nature. It
offers an analysis of how stadiums are arenas for the celebration and
reinforcement of hegemonic masculinities. Football fandom has proved a
fertile ground for the display of masculine identities and the stadium has
proved a ready made arena for the playing out of these identities. Fandom is
a bastion of hegemonic masculinities. Football stadiums provide an arena in
which masculinity is constructed around a clear and distinct set of defining
norms.

Exaltation of manhood is part of football in Zimbabwe. Partriachial views on
women are played out in the game of football through songs and chants.
Hegemonic masculinity is performed and reinforced within the stadiums.
Vulgar and misogynistic language ensures that watching football in Zimbabwe
remains a male domain.

If you would like to present a paper in this seminar series, or to suggest a
presenter, please contact Kirk Helliker in the Sociology Department or
Richard Pithouse in the Politics Department.