A cultural significance of the concept “Monna ke Nku, O llela teng” in the Balobedu communities: a case of Motsinoni Village, Greater Letaba Municipality, Limpopo Province

Abstract

The phrase, which translates to "A man is a sheep, he cries within," holds deep historical and social significance in the community, reflecting complex social dynamics and traditional beliefs. "Monna ke Nku, O llela teng" serves as a symbolic representation of gender roles, power dynamics, and social hierarchies within the Balobedu community. This research article delves into the cultural significance of the phrase "Monna ke Nku, O llela teng" within the Balobedu community, with a particular focus on its impact in Motsinoni Village, located in the Greater Letaba Municipality of the Limpopo Province. The purpose of this study is to explore and document the various interpretations and cultural practices associated with the phrase "Monna ke Nku, O llela teng" among community members in Motsinoni Village. The study aimed to deepen understanding of the unique traditions, beliefs, and social structures of the Balobedu community, shedding light on the ways in which this phrase shapes individual identities and collective relationships. Adopting a qualitative research approach, the study utilized interviews, specifically semi-structured interviews to gather rich, in-depth data on the cultural significance of the phrase. The research design involved a case study methodology, allowing for a detailed exploration of the specific context of Motsinoni Village and an exploratory investigation of the broader implications of the phrase within the Balobedu community. Ethical considerations were prioritized throughout the research process, including obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring confidentiality, and respecting the cultural norms and practices of the community.

Keywords: {'name': 'Bolobedu Community, Gender Roles, Male Emotions, Monna Ke Nku, Social Significance.'}

Authors & affiliations

Phoke Alpha Rakgwata
Affiliation not supplied

Pelewe Mphephu
Affiliation not supplied

Decent Munzhelele
Affiliation not supplied

Deposited references

Supplied references, not a list of publications citing this article.

DOI: 10.1037/men0000153

DOI: 10.1037/a0038198

Akinyemi, L. (2020). Proverbs as tools of socialization: Understanding African wisdom through sayings. African Journal of History and Culture, 12(3), 34-45.

Alexander, N. (2019). The role of proverbs in African societies: Cultural insights and interpretations. Journal of African Cultural Studies, 31(2), 147-159. https://doi.org/10.1080/13696815.2019.1672499

Anderson, C., & McMillan, J. (2021). Cultural resilience in the face of globalization: The role of traditions in modern society. Globalization and Cultural Studies, 18(2), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1080/17531069.2021.1852245

DOI: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2016.02.004

DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2019.04.009

Bourdieu, P. (1986). Distinction: A social critique of the judgment of taste. Harvard University Press.

Bourdieu, P. (2018). Outline of a theory of practice. Cambridge University Press.

DOI: 10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.12.005

Chen, Y., & Zhang, L. (2020). The significance of cultural practices in shaping social norms: A comparative study of urban and rural communities. Sociological Studies, 48(1), 87-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socstu.2020.01.004

Cohen, D., & Bailey, M. (2018). Ethical implications of AI in healthcare: A review of the literature. Journal of Medical Ethics, 44(7), 465-470. https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2017-104624

Connell, R. W. (2005). Masculinities (2nd ed.). University of California Press.

Connell, R. W. (2016). Masculinities (3rd ed.). University of California Press.

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

DOI: 10.1016/j.pubrev.2019.03.003

Evans, K., & Thomas, R. (2020). Examining the role of digital marketing in brand equity. Journal of Marketing Research, 57(4), 762-775. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022243720905148

Eze, E. (2018). The dynamics of masculinity in African contexts: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Gender Studies, 27(6), 652-663. https://doi.org/10.1080/09589236.2018.1473236

Fisher, H., & Lee, K. (2021). Mental health and well-being in post-pandemic education systems. Educational Psychology Review, 33(2), 243-261. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-021-09511-6

Gergen, K. J., & Morrow, S. P. (2020). Handbook of gender and health (2nd ed.). Springer.

DOI: 10.1080/13696815.2021.1960488

Grant, A., & Schwartz, J. (2017). The impact of mindfulness meditation on emotional regulation and well-being. Psychological Science, 28(11), 1704-1713. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797617711320

Harkins, J. (2016). African proverbs and wisdom: The key to understanding cultural identity. African Journal of Philosophy, 9(1), 45-60.

Harper, S. R., & Harris, J. (2022). Reframing masculinity: The intersection of race, culture, and gender in redefining male power. Journal of African American Studies, 26(3), 233-245. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12111-022-09648-x

DOI: 10.1002/eet.1962

DOI: 10.1017/CBO9781107295636

Hodge, R. (2015). Cultural identity and proverbs: Insights from South African communities. Journal of Folklore Research, 52(3), 221-239.

Jackson, M., & Phillips, L. (2016). Innovative teaching methods for fostering critical thinking skills. Journal of Education and Learning, 15(1), 98-106. https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v15n1p98

Kilmartin, C. (2010). Men's health: A handbook for health professionals. Routledge.

Kilmartin, C. (2020). Masculinity and mental health: The challenge of emotional control and societal expectations. Journal of Men's Health, 16(4), 431-438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jomh.2020.06.004

Kriel, K. (2021). Expressions of masculinity in the Limpopo region: Cultural perspectives and emotional landscapes. South African Journal of Psychology, 51(4), 412-425. https://doi.org/10.1177/00812463211033768

Kumar, S., & Steadman, J. (2021). Cultural identity and the impact of globalization. Global Studies Journal, 15(3), 22-37. https://doi.org/10.1007/glo.2021.11202

DOI: 10.1037/men0000421

Mahalik, J. R., & Tager, D. (2020). Masculinity and mental health: An overview of the impact of gender norms on psychological well-being. In S. P. Gergen & K. W. Morrow (Eds.), Handbook of gender and health (pp. 349-367). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-34769-7_21

Maxwell, J. A. (2016). Qualitative research design: An interactive approach (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.

Mkhize, N. (2019). Revisiting traditional masculinity: Emotion and manhood in African narratives. Southern African Journal of Social Studies, 34(2), 102-115.

Mofokeng, M. (2020). Cultural expressions of grief in Balobedu communities: A case study of Motsinoni Village. African Journal for Cultural Studies, 25(2), 87-99.

Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Aldao, A. (2011). Gender and age differences in emotion regulation strategies and their relationship to depression. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 37(2), 321-333. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167210392140

Nwosu, C. (2018). I cry inside: Emotional suppression among men in African societies. Journal of African Sociology, 22(1), 30-47.

O’Neil, J. M. (2017). The psychology of men and masculinities (2nd ed.). American Psychological Association.

Odembo, F. (2020). Proverbs and the quest for identity in African literature. Journal of African Literature, 15(1), 18-32.

Pells, K., & Dube, M. (2017). Exploring emotionality in African cultures: An interdisciplinary approach. Human and Social Sciences Communication, 5(3), 54-67. https://doi.org/10.16910/journal/2017/v5i3/547

Roberts, C., & Morrison, E. (2022). Reimagining cultural significance in the digital age: The intersection of tradition and technology. Media, Culture & Society, 44(5), 738-755. https://doi.org/10.1177/01634437221099333

DOI: 10.1111/soc4.12752

Silverman, D. (2020). Doing qualitative research (5th ed.). Sage Publications.

Smith, A. D. (2018). National identity and its cultural underpinnings: A comparative perspective. Journal of Cultural Sociology, 12(2), 45-59. https://doi.org/10.1177/1749975518753942

Thabane, N. (2018). Identity, culture, and emotional expression: Balobedu perspectives. Journal of African Psychology, 10(4), 201-215. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057500.2018.1554387

DOI: 10.1037/men0000126

Walker, H., & Thompson, M. (2023). Cultural significance in post-colonial societies: Identity, memory, and reconciliation. Journal of Postcolonial Studies, 40(4), 500-516. https://doi.org/10.1080/13688790.2023.2042254

Wetherell, M., & Edley, N. (2017). Negotiating the emotional self: Gender, masculinity, and emotions in the public sphere. Feminism & Psychology, 27(2), 220-237. https://doi.org/10.1177/0959353517695441