Over the last decades, African scholars have subjected Western-centred discourses and theories regarding gender and social subjectivities in Africa to critical reflection and creative scrutiny. Many academic communities across Africa have been critical about how globally circulating discourses and narratives continue to reproduce and perpetuate alienating scholarship regarding the realities of Africa. The growing intellectual currency of such critique has been further bolstered by increasing debates on decolonialization of knowledge production and praxis in Africa. A major field or perspective that has been heavily affected by epistemological violence embedded in popular media representation of hopelessness and even crisis has been African men and masculinities. This panel seeks to raise important questions regarding how African masculinities might benefit productively from and be of benefit to the field of African Studies. The panel is further concerned about developing critical synergies and disruptive dialogues between African Studies and studies on African masculinities. In particular, the panel aims to bring these synergies and dialogues into productive conversation in ways that privilege critical debate on African studies, masculinities, capitalism, patriarchy, sexualities, and violence. The panel invites papers rooted in empirical, theoretical, and social activist work with the potential to contribute to a better understanding of studies on men and masculinities as part and parcel of advancement of African Studies.
Please submit a 250 word abstract and short bio to isaac.dery@uwimona.edu.jm by March 9th, 2025
Critical Synergies and Disruptive Dialogues Between African Masculinities and African Studies
