Exploring cultural initiation into manhood: Tertiary educators’ experiences with male students in South African classrooms

Exploring cultural initiation into manhood: Tertiary educators’ experiences with male students in South African classrooms

John Ringson , Karabo Mhele & Thandeka Khowa

Issue: Vol. 7 No.9 2026 Article 5 pp.2538 – 2552
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2026795 Published online 23rd October 2026

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ABSTRACT

In South Africa, the cultural initiation of young men into manhood is a significant rite of passage, yet its impact on male students’ experiences in tertiary education remains under-explored. This desktop and theoretical article explores tertiary educators’ experiences with male students in South African classrooms, focusing on the intersections of traditional manhood, cultural initiation and higher education. The study draws on feminist, postcolonial and masculinity theories to examine how male students’ experiences of manhood initiation shape their engagement with education and their masculine identities. The article argues that educators’ understanding of cultural initiation into manhood is crucial to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. However, navigating traditional cultural practices and modern educational contexts poses significant challenges for educators. Through a critical analysis of existing literature, this study highlights the tensions between traditional notions of masculinity and the values of inclusivity and diversity promoted in higher education. The key finding of this study is that educators’ lack of understanding of manhood cultural initiation can perpetuate problematic masculine norms and marginalise male students who do not conform to traditional masculinity. The recommendation for policy and practice is that tertiary institutions should train and support educators to understand and address the complex needs of male students navigating manhood initiation, and to promote inclusive, supportive learning environments that value diverse masculinities.

Keywords: Manhood Initiation, Masculinity, Higher Education, Cultural Capital, Inclusivity.

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ABOUT AUTHOR(S)

John Ringson (PhD) is a Research Professor at North-West University, Faculty of Humanities, in the Population and Health Research Entity. His research interests focus on public governance, African politics, philanthropy, child rights governance, migration, ethical leadership, digital transformation, service delivery, human capital development, and gender & sustainable development. Email: jringson@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2422-4319

Karabo Mhele is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Population Studies and Demography, North-West University, South Africa. He holds a PhD in Population Studies from the same university. His research is on sexual and reproductive health, HIV, intimate partner violence, and education. Karabo.Mhele@nwu.ac.za, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2009-4457

Thandeka Khowa (PhD) is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology at North-West University (NWU), South Africa. She holds a PhD in Sociology from Nelson Mandela University. Dr Khowa’s academic and research agenda is deeply rooted in a commitment to social justice, sustainable development, and housing and human settlements. Throughout her career, she has actively advanced the discipline through extensive publications in reputable journals, focusing on the intersections of transdisciplinary research methodologies, human settlements, and innovative pedagogical strategies. North-West University formally recognised her contributions to higher education in 2024, when she received the prestigious Teaching Excellence Award within the Faculty of Humanities. Thandeka.Khowa@nwu.ac.za, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4561-2994

TO CITE ARTICLE

Ringson, John, Karabo Mhele, and Thandeka Khowa. “Exploring Cultural Initiation into Manhood: Tertiary Educators’ experiences with male students in South African classrooms.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 7, no.9 (2026): 2538 – 2552. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2026795