Articles & chapters by Ingrid Lynch
Culture, Health & Sexuality, 2019
Sexual agreements between same-sex practising men facilitate
communication about health promotion... more Sexual agreements between same-sex practising men facilitate
communication about health promotion activities, including HIV
prevention. In African contexts, male couples negotiate their sexual
agreements in relation to rigid cultural prescriptions about
male power and privilege, intense hostility towards same-sex sexualities
and persistent heterogendered socio-cultural norms. Yet
the impact of such norms on relationship practices and HIV risk
among male couples remains inadequately explored. This qualitative
study examined the role of gendered power disparities in
establishing sexual agreements among male couples in two
Southern African contexts. Eighteen male couples completed
in-depth interviews focused on relationship practices, including
sexual agreements. The research employed critical social theory
to analyse power relations and socio-cultural norms shaping male
couples’ explicit and implicit sexual agreements, with a focus on
implications for HIV risk. The findings outline different types of
and motivations for sexual agreements among male couples,
including qualified non-monogamy with female partners only. The
study illustrates how Southern African male–male sexual practices
remain embedded in a cultural context favouring the replication
of heteronormative sexual behaviours and relationship practices.
These heterogendered norms impact negatively on the process of
establishing explicit, mutually agreed-upon sexual agreements,
and thus place male couples at increased risk for HIV.
The subject of human well-being continues to gain traction in disciplines as diverse as psycholog... more The subject of human well-being continues to gain traction in disciplines as diverse as psychology, sociology, development studies, and economics. Current scholarship, however, is still largely framed by normative assumptions about what being well means, and the overwhelming majority of conceptual approaches to well-being being have been conceived and applied by researchers in the industrialized, wealthy contexts of the global North. We critique the current conceptualizations of wellbeing and assess their applicability to research in the global south, particularly in contexts marked by poverty and inequality.
Intimate partner violence is increasingly recognised as occurring not only between heterosexual p... more Intimate partner violence is increasingly recognised as occurring not only between heterosexual partners but also in same-sex relationships. Heterogendered relationship norms have been identified as intersecting with other social inequalities to create and sustain power differentials between partners -and fuel violence -yet remain largely unexplored in relation to women's same-sex relationships. Building on existing feminist research we explore the use of gendered scripts in South African lesbian and bisexual women's accounts of relationship norms and practices. We apply a feminist poststructuralist lens to focus-group discussion data to investigate how such scripts are drawn on to either uphold or challenge violent and coercive relationship practices. The findings illustrate the salience of heterogendered norms and demonstrate how violent practices become possible in contexts of deepening socioeconomic impoverishment -such as in post-apartheid South Africa -where race, space, gender and sexuality are tied to attempts at reclaiming respectable personhood. Efforts to dismantle inequitable gendered power relations and attendant violent practices require both macro-interventions aimed at shifting structural constraints on lesbian and bisexual women's agency, as well as micro-processes aimed at scripting equal power relations between partners as desirable.
Worldwide, sexual and gender minorities struggle to access sexual and reproductive health (SRH) s... more Worldwide, sexual and gender minorities struggle to access sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. In South Africa, sexual prejudice is entrenched and pervasive in health systems and SRH services do not cater for a diverse range of people. Though health reform is underway, little attention has been given to how sexuality is being addressed in this process, particularly in the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme currently being piloted. We analyse interview data generated in an NHI pilot district, using discursive methodology, informed by a sexual and reproductive justice standpoint. We show how sexual and gender minorities are discursively in/visibilised in health settings and discuss these findings in relation to the social justice and solidarity aims of health systems reform.
In predominantly isiXhosa-speaking township communities in South Africa, men who have sex with me... more In predominantly isiXhosa-speaking township communities in South Africa, men who have sex with men negotiate their identities and sexual practices alongside heteronormative cultural scripts of what it means to be a man. Such idealised notions of masculinity are predicated on the selective appropriation of cultural practices that preserve (heterosexual) male privilege and power. In this paper, we explore the identity work done by men who have sex with men, with particular reference to male circumcision as a cultural practice widely drawn on to inform and regulate normative masculinity. Through a narrative-discursive analysis of the accounts provided by men who have sex with men from township communities, we highlight how participants' dissident sexualities are constructed as compromising their masculine identities. Participating in cultural practices such as traditional circumcision aligns participants to the idealised masculinity that affords men full citizenship in their communities. The findings suggest that sexual dissidence is less troubling to participants than deviating from gendered markers of hegemonic masculinity, and point to ways in which marginalised men might have an interest in maintaining the dominant gendered order. We conclude with implications for research and programmatic work with gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
There is increasing visibility of dissident sexualities and genders in media debates about famili... more There is increasing visibility of dissident sexualities and genders in media debates about families, including resistant discourses that challenge delegitimising claims about queer families. There remains, however, a lack of research that assesses the ways in which discourses seeking to defend queer parenthood function to challenge or, at times, reinforce hetero-gendered norms. Families formed by gay men have generally received less attention, both in the media as well as academic scholarship. In this paper, we explore resistant discourses deployed in mainstream print media, attending particularly to news reports about queer fathers and their children. Through a critical thematic analysis of South African newspapers, informed by feminist discursive psychology, we identify four themes in resistant ways of talking: de-gendering parenthood, normalising queer parents, valorising queer parenting, and challenging the heteronormative gold standard. We conclude with the political implications of such resistant talk, as part of a project of transforming restrictive hetero-gendered norms.
Psychology of Women Quarterly
People who are voluntarily childless, or ‘‘childfree,’’ face considerable stigma. Researchers hav... more People who are voluntarily childless, or ‘‘childfree,’’ face considerable stigma. Researchers have begun to explore how these
individuals respond to stigma, usually focusing on interpersonal stigma management strategies. We explored participants’
responses to stigma in a way that is cognisant of broader social norms and gender power relations. Using a feminist discursive
psychology framework, we analysed women’s and men’s computer-assisted communication about their childfree status. Our
analysis draws attention to ‘‘identity work’’ in the context of stigma. We show how the strategic use of ‘‘choice’’ rhetoric
allowed participants to avoid stigmatised identities and was used in two contradictory ways. On the one hand, participants
drew on a ‘‘childfree-by-choice script,’’ which enabled them to hold a positive identity of themselves as autonomous, rational,
and responsible decision makers. On the other hand, they mobilised a ‘‘disavowal of choice script’’ that allowed a person who
is unable to choose childlessness (for various reasons) to hold a blameless identity regarding deviation from the norm of
parenthood. We demonstrate how choice rhetoric allowed participants to resist stigma and challenge pronatalism to some
extent; we discuss the political potential of these scripts for reproductive freedom.
In this article, we outline the position statement on sexual and gender diversity adopted by the ... more In this article, we outline the position statement on sexual and gender diversity adopted by the Psychological Society of South Africa’s Council on 24 September 2013. In line with the Society’s constitution, the statement contributes to transforming and redressing silences in South African psychology in order to promote human well-being and social justice for all. The commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Society as well as that of democracy in the country in 2014 makes the aforementioned contribution all the more significant. The statement provides psychology professionals in South Africa and elsewhere, with a framework for understanding the challenges that individuals face in societies that are patriarchal and heteronormative and which discriminate on the basis of sexuality and gender. An affirmative view of sexual and gender diversity is taken as the foundation for providing support and guidance to professionals in all areas of psychological practice when dealing with sexually and gender diverse individuals. We contend that by assuming an affirmative stance towards sexual and gender diversity, psychology professionals can assist in the transformation of unjust sexual and gender systems, the harmful effects of which extend beyond their influence on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex individuals to all persons in South Africa. In light of recent related developments in other African countries and the imminent launch of the Pan-African Psychology Union, South African psychology may, in fact, in this manner also contribute to similar regional initiatives.
Gender and Education, 2009
Despite an appreciation of the need to increase gender sensitivity and awareness among tertiary s... more Despite an appreciation of the need to increase gender sensitivity and awareness among tertiary students in the field of science, engineering and technology (SET), there is a paucity of research that explores how students in this field construct gender. A greater understanding of such constructions can assist in transforming gender relations and creating a more gender‐sensitive learning environment for SET students. This paper explores SET students’ constructions of gender and the discourses they draw on when constructing female participation in SET. Focus group discussions were conducted with male and female students from an urban South African university. A discourse analysis identified various restrictive discourses that resist female participation in SET and value traditional gender roles for men and women, as well as more marginal voices that support gender equity. The paper concludes with recommendations for interventions aimed at challenging restrictive constructions of gender in higher education.
Culture Health & Sexuality - CULT HEALTH SEX, 2010
Male sexuality in Africa is often associated with harmful sexual practices, which, in the context... more Male sexuality in Africa is often associated with harmful sexual practices, which, in the context of HIV and AIDS, often positions men as central to the spread of the epidemic. Despite this focus on men's practices, there is a lack of research exploring the subject positions of men living with HIV. This study explores how masculinity is constructed by a group of black South African men who self-identify as heterosexual and are living with HIV. Using discourse analysis, a construction of a normative masculinity is identified as being both idealised and perceived as a burden, in that men continually need to engage in actions that affirm their position as ‘real’ men. By depicting men as invulnerable and unemotional, this construction limits men from acknowledging health risks or accessing support. A second discourse constructs HIV and AIDS as disrupting normative masculinity, in that it restricts men's agency through illness and the need for care. A final discourse relates to a transformed masculinity, where men living with HIV reconstruct their masculinity, as conforming to normative constructions of male identity is perceived as restrictive and harmful.La sexualité masculine en Afrique est souvent associée aux pratiques sexuelles néfastes qui, dans le contexte du VIH et du sida, placent souvent les hommes dans une position centrale á l'étendue de l'épidémie. En dépit de cette focalisation sur les pratiques sexuelles des hommes, les recherches manquent sur l'exploration du positionnement des hommes vivant avec le VIH en tant que sujets. Cette étude explore comment se construit la masculinité parmi un groupe d'hommes noirs sud-africains s'identifiant comme hétérosexuels et vivant avec le VIH. Grâce á l'analyse du discours, la construction d'une masculinité normative est identifiée comme étant á la fois idéalisée et perçue comme une charge, en ce que les hommes ont constamment besoin de s'engager dans des actions qui assoient leur position de «vrais» hommes. En présentant les hommes comme des êtres invulnérables et non émotionnels, cette construction est un obstacle á leur reconnaissance des risques pour la santé ou á leur accés aux services de soutien. Un second discours construit le VIH et le sida comme un bouleversement de la masculinité normative, en ce qu'ils restreignent la capacité d'agir des hommes face á la maladie et á la nécessité de soins. Un dernier discours renvoie á la transformation de la masculinité, selon laquelle les hommes vivant avec le VIH reconstruisent leur masculinité, afin qu'elle se conforme aux constructions normatives de l'identité masculine, avec ses caractéristiques restrictives et néfastes.La sexualidad masculina en África se suele relacionar con prácticas sexuales dañinas, lo que en el contexto del VIH y el sida muchas veces significa que los hombres se representan como la causa principal del contagio de la epidemia. Pese a prestar atención a las prácticas masculinas, existe una falta de estudios en los que se analice el tema del lugar que ocupan los hombres seropositivos. En este estudio analizamos de qué modo se construye la masculinidad por parte de un grupo de hombres surafricanos de raza negra que se identifican como heterosexuales y son seropositivos. Con ayuda de un discurso analítico, se identifica la construcción de una masculinidad normativa que es idealista y percibida a la vez como una carga, en la que los hombres necesitan participar continuamente en acciones que afirmen su posición como hombres “de verdad”. Al representar a los hombres como seres no vulnerables ni emocionales, esta construcción les impide reconocer los riesgos para la salud o el acceso a ayuda. Un segundo discurso representa el VIH y el sida como algo que altera la masculinidad normativa porque limita las acciones de los hombres debido a la enfermedad y la necesidad de cuidados. Un discurso final se refiere a una masculinidad transformada en la que los hombres seropositivos reconstruyen su masculinidad, ya que aceptar las construcciones normativas de la identidad masculina se percibe como algo restrictivo y dañino.
Research reports & briefs by Ingrid Lynch
A culture of silence that normalises widespread violence High rates of sexual violence, with youn... more A culture of silence that normalises widespread violence High rates of sexual violence, with younger learners most vulnerable As illustrated in , rates of sexual violence experienced by primary and high school learners are high, with intimate partner violence experienced by 41% of younger learners in the 12 months prior to the study. High rates of educator-perpetrated sexual violence are another worrying finding.
The baseline results revealed that violence is commonplace and occurs mostly in classrooms, on sp... more The baseline results revealed that violence is commonplace and occurs mostly in classrooms, on sports fields, or in bathrooms.
We acknowledge with deep appreciation the women who participated in this research and generously ... more We acknowledge with deep appreciation the women who participated in this research and generously shared their thoughts and stories with us.
The growing body of South African research on fatherhood has considered its social and cultural s... more The growing body of South African research on fatherhood has considered its social and cultural significance, especially in relation to gender, class, race and heterosexuality. Far less attention has been given to fathers who identify as other than heterosexual. Tracy Morison, Ingrid Lynch and Vasu Reddy
discuss some findings from their Ford Foundation-funded research on fatherhood, which turns the spotlight on gay and bisexual men, and explain why encouraging family diversity is important for us all. (Direct link http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/review/hsrc-review-january-2015/all-in-the-family)
This booklet was produced by Tracy Morison and Ingrid Lynch as part of a joint initiative between... more This booklet was produced by Tracy Morison and Ingrid Lynch as part of a joint initiative between the Human Sciences Research Council, Triangle Project and Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action (GALA), with funding support largely from the Ford Foundation and additional funding from the Open Society Foundation SA. The information included in this booklet stems from a research project conducted with South African gay and bisexual men, around their parenthood decision-making and experiences.
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Articles & chapters by Ingrid Lynch
communication about health promotion activities, including HIV
prevention. In African contexts, male couples negotiate their sexual
agreements in relation to rigid cultural prescriptions about
male power and privilege, intense hostility towards same-sex sexualities
and persistent heterogendered socio-cultural norms. Yet
the impact of such norms on relationship practices and HIV risk
among male couples remains inadequately explored. This qualitative
study examined the role of gendered power disparities in
establishing sexual agreements among male couples in two
Southern African contexts. Eighteen male couples completed
in-depth interviews focused on relationship practices, including
sexual agreements. The research employed critical social theory
to analyse power relations and socio-cultural norms shaping male
couples’ explicit and implicit sexual agreements, with a focus on
implications for HIV risk. The findings outline different types of
and motivations for sexual agreements among male couples,
including qualified non-monogamy with female partners only. The
study illustrates how Southern African male–male sexual practices
remain embedded in a cultural context favouring the replication
of heteronormative sexual behaviours and relationship practices.
These heterogendered norms impact negatively on the process of
establishing explicit, mutually agreed-upon sexual agreements,
and thus place male couples at increased risk for HIV.
individuals respond to stigma, usually focusing on interpersonal stigma management strategies. We explored participants’
responses to stigma in a way that is cognisant of broader social norms and gender power relations. Using a feminist discursive
psychology framework, we analysed women’s and men’s computer-assisted communication about their childfree status. Our
analysis draws attention to ‘‘identity work’’ in the context of stigma. We show how the strategic use of ‘‘choice’’ rhetoric
allowed participants to avoid stigmatised identities and was used in two contradictory ways. On the one hand, participants
drew on a ‘‘childfree-by-choice script,’’ which enabled them to hold a positive identity of themselves as autonomous, rational,
and responsible decision makers. On the other hand, they mobilised a ‘‘disavowal of choice script’’ that allowed a person who
is unable to choose childlessness (for various reasons) to hold a blameless identity regarding deviation from the norm of
parenthood. We demonstrate how choice rhetoric allowed participants to resist stigma and challenge pronatalism to some
extent; we discuss the political potential of these scripts for reproductive freedom.
Research reports & briefs by Ingrid Lynch
discuss some findings from their Ford Foundation-funded research on fatherhood, which turns the spotlight on gay and bisexual men, and explain why encouraging family diversity is important for us all. (Direct link http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/review/hsrc-review-january-2015/all-in-the-family)
communication about health promotion activities, including HIV
prevention. In African contexts, male couples negotiate their sexual
agreements in relation to rigid cultural prescriptions about
male power and privilege, intense hostility towards same-sex sexualities
and persistent heterogendered socio-cultural norms. Yet
the impact of such norms on relationship practices and HIV risk
among male couples remains inadequately explored. This qualitative
study examined the role of gendered power disparities in
establishing sexual agreements among male couples in two
Southern African contexts. Eighteen male couples completed
in-depth interviews focused on relationship practices, including
sexual agreements. The research employed critical social theory
to analyse power relations and socio-cultural norms shaping male
couples’ explicit and implicit sexual agreements, with a focus on
implications for HIV risk. The findings outline different types of
and motivations for sexual agreements among male couples,
including qualified non-monogamy with female partners only. The
study illustrates how Southern African male–male sexual practices
remain embedded in a cultural context favouring the replication
of heteronormative sexual behaviours and relationship practices.
These heterogendered norms impact negatively on the process of
establishing explicit, mutually agreed-upon sexual agreements,
and thus place male couples at increased risk for HIV.
individuals respond to stigma, usually focusing on interpersonal stigma management strategies. We explored participants’
responses to stigma in a way that is cognisant of broader social norms and gender power relations. Using a feminist discursive
psychology framework, we analysed women’s and men’s computer-assisted communication about their childfree status. Our
analysis draws attention to ‘‘identity work’’ in the context of stigma. We show how the strategic use of ‘‘choice’’ rhetoric
allowed participants to avoid stigmatised identities and was used in two contradictory ways. On the one hand, participants
drew on a ‘‘childfree-by-choice script,’’ which enabled them to hold a positive identity of themselves as autonomous, rational,
and responsible decision makers. On the other hand, they mobilised a ‘‘disavowal of choice script’’ that allowed a person who
is unable to choose childlessness (for various reasons) to hold a blameless identity regarding deviation from the norm of
parenthood. We demonstrate how choice rhetoric allowed participants to resist stigma and challenge pronatalism to some
extent; we discuss the political potential of these scripts for reproductive freedom.
discuss some findings from their Ford Foundation-funded research on fatherhood, which turns the spotlight on gay and bisexual men, and explain why encouraging family diversity is important for us all. (Direct link http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/review/hsrc-review-january-2015/all-in-the-family)