amaXhosa Circumcision: Stories of Manhood and Mental Health

by Lauraine M. H. Vivian

Overview

This book investigates amaXhosa circumcision and the psychological processes involved. Lauraine Vivian employs concepts such as resilience, orthodoxy, broken men, and reciprocity to examine the experiences of men who have developed mental health issues in relation to their initiation into manhood. The chapters cover sensitive topics such as physical injury, pain, harm, and women’s agency. Drawing on the stories of over seventy amaXhosa men, the book provides rare insight into circumcision and psychotic experience.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367211172
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/28/2021
Series:	Routledge Studies in Health and Medical Anthropology
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Lauraine M. H. Vivian is an Honorary Research Associate in the Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Table of Contents

1. Negotiating Patriarchy; 2. Resounding Resilience in amaXhosa Circumcision; 3. amaXhosa Women in Circumcision; 4. Embedding Pain in Memory; 5. Circumcision, Manhood and Psychosis; 6. amaXhosa Metaphor in Psychosis; 7.Negotiating Harm; 8. Women’s Advocacy; 9. The Depth of Contestation