Browsing by Author "Hendriks, Nathania"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Superman : the man and the myth - a theological exploration of the influence of popular culture on masculinity
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Hendriks, Nathania; Cloete, Anita Louisa; Van der Walt, Charlene; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explores the influence of popular culture on male adolescents’ construction of masculinity. A theoretical engagement with the concepts of culture and ideology is linked to the concept of popular culture. The notion of culture and ideology, connected to popular culture, is unpacked, and the various definitions of the concept reflected upon in an attempt to arrive at a more holistic understanding of the term. Using the terms of culture, ideology and popular culture as a foundation, the study explores Superman as an example of popular culture, taking into account the history of the creators of Superman, the evolution of the character as well as a fictional biography of Superman as a mythical hero. This also includes a deliberation on the Christological aspect of Superman, and a discussion of Superman situated in the sphere of culture and more specifically, popular culture. This study also encompasses a reflection on the history of masculinity development. Specific attention is devoted to the impact of feminist theory on masculinity studies. A brief discussion of gender – the overarching notion that includes masculinity and femininity – is integrated in this consideration, as it establishes the foundation for the discussion of masculinities. The connection is made between masculinities and popular culture in South Africa, functioning as a theoretical basis to discusses and reflects upon the type of masculinity that Superman presents and the influence this character has on male adolescents. To comprehend the construction of the current concept of adolescence, the literature review considers the historical context of the concept of adolescence and the changes in social reality over the centuries. Different viewpoints exist on the development of adolescence, which necessitates an overview of physiological, psychological and sociological factors. This, in turn, offers the groundwork for a discussion of male adolescence and the influence of these factors on the developmental process of male adolescence. The influence of popular culture, referring to Superman as an example, demonstrates the impact this character has on male adolescents’ construction of masculinity. Following the discussions on popular culture, masculinities, adolescent development and Superman, the normative approach of practical theological interpretation is applied, thereby contemplating on popular culture as the context, masculinities as the situation and male adolescent development as the episode. Included in this discussion are the circumstances of South Africans and the influence of these circumstances on male adolescent development. Furthermore, the study reflects on the religious comparisons between Superman and Jesus Christ, deliberating between the distinctions of the sacred and profane and how these concepts intertwine in the context of popular culture. This introduces the theological exploration that includes a discussion of practical theological interpretation, feminist theory, feminist theology and the feminist theology of praxis. This study also considers alternative, transformative and redemptive masculinities as a means to combat the hegemonic and hypermasculine ideal perpetuated by popular culture, concluding with suggestions that can aid male adolescents that are divulged to the periphery of society.