EXPLORING MASCULINITY AMONG THE MURSI OF SOUTHWESTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The title of this study is exploring masculinity among the Mursi of southwestern Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to understand how masculinity is constructed among the Mursi of south western Ethiopia. Through understanding the general concept of masculinity and its relation with stick fight and external cultural influences. The study began by reviewing the available related and relevant literatures, which latter helped the development of objectives of the study. To understand the concept of masculinity construction, data was collected from different key informants, interviews are conducted with individuals who came from different social background and focus group discussions are conducted to explore the meaning of masculinity, its role and the changes. The research methodology was exploratory research design with qualitative research approach. By using primary and secondary data collection methods and the data was analyzed and interpreted in relation to the literature. Some group discussions were analyzed to show the meaning of masculinity and its relation to cultural aspects to the study group. To this end, it begins with a discussion about the meaning of masculinity of the study area with different social groups. The study shows that, expressions of masculinity and its influence on societal expression, the influence of women in masculinity construction. Based on the finding of the study, in Mursi community, traditional masculinity is deeply intertwined with their cultural and social fabric. From a young age, Mursi boys are taught the importance of strength, resilience, and responsibility as markers of manhood. The other major finding of the study explores the impact of external influences on the practice of donga (stick fighting) among Mursi men, aiming to understand how globalization, contact with broader Ethiopian society, and cultural exchange shape this traditional stick fighting within the community. The societal concept of masculinity is rooted in their pastoralist lifestyle, where men are typically responsible for herding livestock and protecting the family and community.