What is it about?
Investigation of the shifting gender roles in the marching bands in Cape Town, referred to as Christmas bands as they historically started their marching season on Christmas Eve. They emerged out of post-slavery in the Cape Colony, influenced by regimental organisations such as the Salvation Army, the Church Lads Brigades, Boys' Scouts, etc. and the virtues of discipline and respectability these organisations exuded. Although they were all-male bands, women have begun to challenge this gender bias since South Africa gained democracy in 1994 and enshrined gender equality in the new constitution adopted in 1996.
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Why is it important?
The article displays how subaltern women challenge gender norms in a longstanding all-male cultural practice once they experience the expansive life that comes with political freedom.
Perspectives
The article represents a slice of cultural life in a postcolonial society and a cultural practice that is found in many postcolonial societies although they present themselves very differently in different locales.
Sylvia Bruinders
University of Cape Town
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Playing Together: Gender Roles and Transformative Displays in the Christmas Bands Movement in Cape Town, South Africa, Women and Music A Journal of Gender and Culture, January 2021, Project Muse,
DOI: 10.1353/wam.2021.0000.
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