WHITTLESEA- Male violence in schools is a pressing concern that demands attention and action, the prevalence of physical altercations, stabbings and other forms of aggression has left many wondering what drives this behavior. Is it a lack of discipline, poor parenting or something deeper?
The issue is complex, with multiple factors contributing to the problem.
Research suggests that a combination of family dynamics, social norms and individual circumstances can all play a role. But what if there was a way to peel back the layers and understand the underlying causes of male violence?
In an Exclusive interview with Eastern Cape Daily News on this year’s women’s Month Motivational speaker, a human rights activist and founder of the non-profit organisation Unmasking Man’s Emotions Luxolo Mvandaba has dedicated his life to understanding and addressing this issue.
Born and bred in the semi-rural town of Whittlesea near Komani, Mvandaba believes that the causes of male violence are multifaceted.
According to him, key factors contributing to male violence in schools include dysfunctional families, lack of emotional intelligence skills, toxic masculinity and the absence of a father figure or mentor. These factors, Mvandaba emphasizes can profoundly impact a young man’s development and behavior.
“Dysfunctional families can play a significant role in shaping a young man’s behavior,” he explains. He added, “When children grow up in environments where conflict and aggression are normalized, they may learn to resolve disputes through violence.”
Furthmore, Mvandaba also highlights the role of toxic masculinity and grooming in perpetuating male violence. “When boys are socialized to conform to traditional masculine norms, they may feel pressured to engage in aggressive behavior to prove their masculinity,” he says. “This can lead to a culture of aggression and violence.”
By challenging these norms and promoting healthier forms of masculinity, Mvandaba believes we can work towards reducing male violence.
To address male violence in schools, Mvandaba emphasizes the importance of teaching emotional intelligence skills, promoting positive role models and challenging toxic masculinity.
By adopting a multifaceted approach that includes empowerment and support, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all students.
Photographs: Luxolo Mvandaba/ Supplied
