Masculinities and religion in Kaduna, Nigeria: A struggle for continuity at a time of change

Harris, Colette (2012) Masculinities and religion in Kaduna, Nigeria: A struggle for continuity at a time of change. Religion and Gender, 2 (2). pp. 207-230. ISSN 1878-5417

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Abstract

This paper addresses coping strategies used by men in Kaduna to ward off chaos resulting from economic instability, situating them within the global context and national policies on gender and religion. They include upholding a set of gender norms in which adult masculinity’s most crucial traits are control over women and children, and breadwinning. These norms were introduced into Nigeria under colonialism and through Islam and Christianity, yet today they are considered to represent local traditions. Religion is also important for coping strategies, especially the newer Pentecostal churches and reformist mosques, characterized by emphasis on literalist interpretations of the scriptures and notions of male superiority. Poor men have particularly welcomed the levels of certainty, moral and material support they provide as well as the legitimization of their gender power positions, especially those struggling to perform appropriate masculinity, while at the same time these establishments have facilitated sectarian violence.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	sdg 16 - peace, justice and strong institutions ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/peace_justice_and_strong_institutions
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Global Development (formerly School of International Development)
Depositing User:	Colette Harris
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2013 12:33
Last Modified:	15 Aug 2023 14:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/41536
DOI:	10.1163/18785417-00202003

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