The study is developed in ten chapters divided in two parts. Part one comprises of chapters one, two, three, four, five and six. Part two discusses the findings of this study.
It comprises of chapters seven, eight, nine and ten. A brief description of the thesis structure is as follows:
Chapter one introduces this study providing a broader overview. As an introduction to this study, I discuss the purpose of the study by sketching the background and context of the study. The chapter locates the study within broader studies and thereby provides a rationale for the study as well as delineating the critical questions and the objectives of the study.
Chapter two discusses the conceptual theories and approaches to this study. I critically review some key psychological and sociological theories which have been informative in masculinities studies. My objective in this chapter is to engage the central framings/approaches within psycho-social and scientific theories of masculinity which have been used to theorise masculinity in men’s studies. I conclude the chapter by locating the current study within a social constructionist perspective, seeking to apply intersectionality as an applicable theoretical basis for this study. While I review literature on intersectionality as a theoretical framework, I intentionally move away from the normal social constructionist approach to theorising masculinity. My focus is to inquire on the suitability of intersectionality approach in theorising masculinity.
Chapter three locates this study within studies of masculinity in the wider South(ern) African context. The chapter highlights the background to studies of masculinities within South(ern) Africa with an aim to review literature on men and masculinity studies in this context of study. I therefore establish the socio-religious, cultural, economic and political context in which the MMC is located. I then present a review of three categories of literature to assist in establishing the increased interest in religion and masculinity studies in South(ern) Africa.
Chapter four presents discussions on evangelicalism. In this chapter, I have discussed in detail the historical synopsis and the tenets of evangelicalism and Evangelical Christianity.
The chapter locates the MMC as a movement that portrays expressions of Charismatic, Evangelical and Pentecostal forms of Christianity by situating the movement in the South African religious context. The major tenet of Charismatic, Evangelical and Pentecostalism are discussed as a form of Christianity portrayed by the MMC. The chapter concludes by looking at the Evangelical gender patterns (culture) and the impact this has on representation and constructions of masculinity, suggesting that religious beliefs promote certain institutional gender ideologies, religious gender roles, practices and attitudes.
In Chapter five I describe the methodology, research method and design applied for this study. My objective in this chapter is to describe and justify the use of qualitative multimethods design as an appropriate research method for this study by utilising a mixed method approach. The chapter presents how the study samples were arrived at, the primary methods of data collection and the process used to analyse the data.
Chapter six examines faith discourses of the MMC within the ‘perceived’ crises of masculinity in South Africa. Arguing that masculinity “crises” is more ‘perceived’ than real, I explore Buchan’s call for the Mighty Men to “return to godly manhood” as the most prominent faith discourse.
Chapter seven provides faith discourses on masculinity within a socio-political post- apartheid context as portrayed by Buchan and the MMC. In the chapter I explore how faith discourses shape perceptions and constructions of masculinities within Charismatic, Evangelical and Pentecostal Christianity as a response to social, economic and political
changes in post-apartheid South Africa.
In Chapter eight I explore what Buchan and his MMC understand by ‘responsible manhood.’ I interrogate faith discourses intended to encourage “Mighty Men” to be responsible men while seeking to make sense of their masculine self. In the chapter, I indicate that masculine performance is central towards enacting male roles prescribed for godly manhood.
Chapter nine discusses alternative discourses of transformative masculinity within evangelicalism. In the chapter I draw from faith discourse on Christ’s maleness as portrayed by the MMC. In the chapter, I engage ways in which Buchan’s notions of godly manhood can result in transformative praxis within the MMC.
Chapter Ten presents a conclusion to this current study as I argue for the significance of the study while seeking to open new areas for further research.
Chapter Summary
My objective in this chapter has been to introduce this study by explaining the purpose of the study which is to explore how faith discourses within the MMC are taken up by men and shape constructions of masculinities within contemporary Protestant Christianity in post-apartheid South Africa. I further explained that my intention was to understand to what extent such discourses hold potential for transformative change. I have therefore sketched the background and context of the study by identifying three factors which lead to the thronging of men to the MMC. This has been attributed to: a) perceived crisis in masculinity; b) the post-apartheid political context; and c) the need for responsible men. I have also located the study within broader studies by delineating the study of masculinity as an academic discipline. I have provided a rationale for the study as well as outlining the critical questions and the objectives of the study. Chapter two will now provide an overview of the theoretical and conceptual frameworks that undergird this study.
CHAPTER TWO
THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS
The elusiveness, fluidity and complex interconnectedness of masculinity in modern societies add to the complexity of researching and writing in
this area. Chris Haywood and Máirtin Mac an Ghaill (2003:4)