title: Xhosa male initiation: freedom of choice versus the need to belong.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The question of choice and individual decision making in groups where a strong ideology exists has been repeatedly studied and debated. The objective of this paper is to highlight the aspects of influence pertaining to initiation in the life world of the Xhosa boy. The amaXhosa are speakers of Bantu languages traditionally living in south-east South-Africa, and in the last two centuries throughout the southern and central-southern parts of the country.
  
  
  METHODS
  To substantiate the literature study, a survey in the form of a questionnaire was done to establish the attitudes of Xhosa people regarding traditional male initiation. To gather in-depth information from persons who had personal contact with initiates, interviews were conducted with two selected people in helping professions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The author argues that the traditional custom of male initiation among the amaXhosa rests on an ideology that tolerates no dissent or critique and that deprives individuals of their decision-making power. It is further argued that the implication of not undergoing the ritual is so severe for Xhosa boys that the choice they are thought to have may not be a choice in practice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Questions were raised regarding the role of children and women in general in a patriarchal society. As an example of culture and religion as influencing factors in a group's reality, Xhosa male initiation was discussed. These arguments call for the raising of questions and identifying themes and discourse in the area of children's right to choice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results indicate that, regardless of physical and psychological implications, the custom in its traditional form is still preferred by most respondents.
authors: a Department of Psychology of Education, College of Education , University of South Africa.
authors: Rienie
authors: R
authors: Venter