11 June 2025
Routledge has recently published a thought-provoking new book that delves into the intricate relationships between young masculinities and sexual health in Southern Africa. Edited by Deevia Bhana, Morten Skovdal, and Kaymarlin Govender, this work offers a nuanced exploration of how socio-cultural and economic factors influence young men’s experiences of masculinity, shaping their relationship dynamics, gender norms, and sexual health practices.
The book is structured around thematic chapters that examine love, pleasure, social norms, risk, and HIV, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this space. One of its key contributions is its emphasis on the global importance of engaging young men in fostering gender equity and promoting healthier sexual practices. By highlighting the plurality and fluidity of masculinities, the authors challenge monolithic narratives about young men in Southern Africa, while underscoring the relevance of local contexts in shaping masculinities worldwide.
Drawing on diverse methodologies and perspectives, the book offers valuable insights for developing effective sexual health interventions. It argues that approaches that resonate with the lived realities of young men can enhance their engagement and participation in promoting healthier relationships and practices. This is particularly crucial in addressing issues such as HIV and gender-based violence, which remain pressing concerns in the region.
The editors bring a wealth of expertise to this work. Deevia Bhana, a Professor and South African Research Chair in Gender and Childhood Sexuality at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, focuses on how gender and sexuality shape the young life course. Morten Skovdal, a community health psychologist and Professor at the University of Copenhagen, specialises in participatory research with young people. Kaymarlin Govender, Director of Research at the HEARD Institute and a Professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, brings extensive experience in HIV prevention and sexual health research.
This book is a must-read for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in fields such as critical masculinity studies, sexual and reproductive health, gender studies, and African studies. By bridging theory, policy, and practice, it offers a roadmap for creating interventions that recognise and embrace diverse masculinities, ultimately contributing to healthier and more equitable societies.
Sex, Sexuality, and Sexual Health in Southern Africa is now available from Routledge, offering a timely and essential contribution to ongoing conversations about young masculinities and sexual health.