Izikhothane: Class and Masculinities of Black Male Youths in Katlehong Township, South Africa

This article reports on a study that explored a subculture called izikhothane that has taken root among black male youths in South African townships. Focus group discussions were conducted with young black males who are involved in this subculture and a thematic content analysis was used to analyse themes in the study. The findings showed that izikhothane are primarily concerned with music, fashion, dance and linguistic prowess. Social constructions of masculinity and class also seem to play a role in the meanings that the participants attach to being izikhothane. It appears that the changing identities among izikhothane are influenced by neoliberal and socioeconomic conditions, characterised by the consumerist culture in which the izikhothane find themselves in post-apartheid South Africa.