Masculinities and resident male students at the University of Zimbabwe: gender and democracy issues

This chapter analyses the masculinities exhibited by University of Zimbabwe male students or the University Bachelors Association (UBA) as they affectionately identify themselves. The way the University male students deal with issues of masculinity and how these issues impinge on gender equity, democracy and human rights at the University of Zimbabwe will be examined. Special attention will be paid to the harsh macro-economic climate and how this economic climate has impacted on the masculinities of the male students. Traditionally, the University male students (UBAs) have tended to affirm their masculinities through activities such as heavy drinking sprees, sexual exploits, which involve going out and having sex with female university students (USAs) or nonuniversity females (NASAs). However, the ways in which the male students exhibit their masculinities have, in some instances, tended to impinge on and subvert the human rights of other students, especially the female students. Male student masculinities have also subverted and soured the teaching and learning environment at the University of Zimbabwe.

A research paper analysing the masculinities and bravado exhibited by University of Zimbabwe male students in their vanity to display gender superiority.