Redefining the roles and relationships of men in their families and communities during Covid-19: a time of crisis in Ocean View, Cape Town

Abstract

This study explores the redefinition of men’s roles and relationships within their families and communities in Ocean View, Cape Town, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Drawing on the concept of hegemonic masculinity and its intersection with other forms of masculinities, this research investigates how a time of crisis reshaped traditional gender norms and expectations. The research is embedded in the social construction of masculinity studies. The key research question addressed in this study was: How have men adapted to the changing family dynamics in Ocean View during the Covid-19 pandemic? The following secondary questions were also addressed: • What specific factors during the Covid-19 pandemic influenced changes in men's roles? • How have men in Ocean View adapted to new responsibilities and expectations during the Covid-19 pandemic? • In what ways did shifting economic and social conditions during Covid-19) influence the perceptions and practices of fatherhood and caregiving roles among men in Ocean View? The pandemic, with its widespread disruptions, highlighted vulnerabilities and shifted the socioeconomic dynamics of the community, particularly affecting male employment and men’s perceived roles as providers. This qualitative study involved twenty-five semi-structured interviews with men in caregiving contexts residing in Ocean View, Western Cape. Through these interviews, this thesis examines how men navigated the dual pressures of maintaining social standing while adapting to new domestic responsibilities. The research uncovers the tensions between evolving masculinities and the persistence of patriarchal structures, focusing on men’s participation in caregiving, community support, and emotional engagement with their families. By situating these changes within the broader sociological context of Ocean View’s history of marginalisation, the study contributes to understanding how crises can serve as catalysts for renegotiating gender identities and power relations. The findings offer insights into the potential for more equitable gender dynamics and the reimagining of male roles in post-crisis settings, offering a deeper understanding of masculinity in contemporary South African society.