The Use of Sexual History Narratives to Assess Processes of Hegemonic Masculinity among South African Men in the Context of HIV/AIDS

Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinities has been invaluable for prevention
efforts that seek to promote a shift in hegemonic male norms driving the HIV
epidemic. However, inadequate attention has been given to the internal processes
of hegemony, which limits the comprehension of how to engage men in
HIV prevention efforts. A narrative approach, which privileges the diversity in
men’s lived experiences, could address such concerns. Fifty sexual history
interviews were conducted with men sampled from three age categories:
(eighteen to twenty-four, twenty-five to fifty-four and fifty-five plus), a range of
cultural and racial backgrounds, and in urban and rural sites across five provinces
in South Africa. For the purpose of this article, narrative analysis was conducted
on three cases that provide a platform for understanding how men both
conform to and resist gender norms that influence their sexual and reproductive
health. Implications of the narratives for gender transformative HIV prevention
efforts are discussed.