Manhood and Morality

Drawing on twenty years of fieldwork and on psycho logical theory this book explores issues of male identity among the Gisu of Uganda in the context of the moral dilemma faced by men who define them- selves in terms of their capacity for violence. 'An impressive and meticulously crafted African ethnography, which has theoretical and practical relevance for understanding masculinity and violence in general'- David Parkin, Professor of Anthropology, Cambridge University Manhood and Morality explores issues of male identity among the Gisu of Uganda and the moral dilemma faced by men who define themselves by their capacity for violence. Drawing extensively on twenty years of fieldwork and on psychological theory the book covers: circumcisionOedipal feelingswitchcraftdeviancejokingsexualityand ethnicity.This ethnographic study challenges our preconceptions of manhood, especially African virility, inviting a wider re-evaluation of masculinity.