Transformation Of Masculinities Among The Agikuyu Of Mathira, Nyeri County, Kenya; 1952-2014

ABSTRACT

The study aimed at examining transformations in masculinities in Mathira, Nyeri County in the period 1952-2014. The main objectives of the study were to explore how the Mau Mau war affected masculinities, analyse how masculinities in Mathira, Nyeri County were affected during the period when Kenya was fighting for her independence, and assess the trends in masculinities among the Agikuyu ethnic group within Mathira in the County of Nyeri. The study employed two theories; the functionalist theory and masculinity theory. Qualitative research design was employed in this study. The target population was both women and men above the age of 18 years. The population sample was selected using random and purposive sampling techniques. The study findings revealed that traditionally men in Mathira, Nyeri County were very authoritative and vocal in the public sphere. This explains why they were able to participate in the Mau Mau liberation in large percentages than from other areas within the central Kenya region. The findings further indicated that the Mau Mau war had a negative effect on the masculinity aspects in Mathira, Nyeri County. The Mau Mau operated as a guerrilla movement largely in the forests. However, upon returning from forests, the members of the movement found their positions in their families and within the public sphere had been taken up by women, leading to an increase in the number of Female-Headed Households (FHH) within Mathira, Nyeri County. The conditions after independence further reduced the masculinity of these men due to lack of compensation for their lost land, alcoholism, corruption, and heightened women empowerment campaigns. The shift in masculinities for some men was affirmed during the coffee boom in the 1970s as the coffee benefits increased and the acquisition of title deeds intensified. This research established that masculinities within Mathira in Nyeri County have undergone various changes since the Mau Mau era to date. With men feeling that their roles as heads of families was under threat, many turned to beer drinking as they tried to come to terms with reality. The study is significant because not only will it help understand the shifting socio-cultural dynamics of gender in Kenya, but will also enable policy makers adopt a more gender-responsive outlook when developing policies. The study concluded that aspects of weak masculinities such as irresponsibility of fathers have been witnessed in Mathira, Nyeri. From the study, it was recommended that there is need to sensitize both men and women on the need of cooperating in parenting roles in order to construct firm masculinities. Additionally, men as well should be engaged in gender empowerment campaigns for inclusivity.