Cultural symbolism and representation of masculinities in kiga culture of Kanungu district, Uganda

Abstract

This study sought to interrogate the Cultural symbolism and representation of masculinities in kiga culture of Kanungu District, Uganda. In order to realize this, the study examined community understanding of a man in Kiga culture; identification of cultural symbols used in constructing and representing men amongst the Bakiga in Kanungu as well as an analysis of how these masculine symbolic constructions influence men‘s relationships with each other and women. In order to realize these objectives, the study was guided by the theory of Hegemonic Masculinity, critical masculinities studies theory and symbolic interaction theory. A qualitative case study design supported the study mainly in data collection through interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed through thematic method. Findings reveal that men among the Kiga are characterized by diverse attributes of bravery and strength, family headship, provision, home ownership, wealth, marriage, protection, independence and self-reliance, mentor, as well as command of respect in the community. These were revealed as I assessed community understanding of men in the Kiga culture. When it comes to the Bakiga in Kanungu, research shows that men are symbolically defined by things like: a well-groomed beard, through language in the form of proverbs and sayings, a masculine foods, heterosexual dominance, hard work, male children, fire place, through symbols such as spear, drum, and animal skins. Consequences of these masculine symbolic constructions regard negative social practices such as domestic violence, female inferiority complex, and sexual misbehavior. From a positive standpoint, leadership is defined by factors like perseverance, increased output, cohesion, and social engagement. The study demonstrated how masculinities are not only socially constructed but also how this social process occurs through cultural symbols that are accorded different masculine meanings.