Gender, tradition and change : the role of rural women in the commoditization of Zulu culture at selected tourist attractions in Zululand

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2005
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The commoditization of Zulu culture has become commonplace in the tourism industry in South Africa. Zulu culture and cultural products like music; dance, crafts, landscapes and others are often packaged and consumed in the tourism attractions in Zululand and elsewhere. This thesis examines culture and gender issues related to the commoditization process of Zulu culture and cultural products. Focusing on specific case studies in selected tourist attractions in Zululand, the thesis concludes that rural Zulu women play minor roles as dancers, crafters, cooks, and waiters in the tourist attractions in Zululand. Their junior roles make them to play no role in decision making, neither do they own any assets in their work places, and may not, therefore, influence the commoditization and product authentication process of their own culture.
Description
Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of African Languages at the University of Zululand, 2005.
Keywords
Decision making, Women, Zulu--Social conditions, Women's rights--South Africa--KwaZulu-Nat, Zulu (African people)--Industries, Art, Zulu
Citation