Description
Book SynopsisBy systematically documenting the emergence of politicized homophobia in Malawi, its appropriation by political elites as a strategy to consolidate power, and its effect on different social movements, Currier challenges Western portrayals of Africa as a hotbed of homophobia.
Trade Review'Carefully researched and making extensive use of primary sources, Currier's book makes a significant contribution to sociology by expanding the reach of the discipline to sub-Saharan African countries and provides a number of tools for thinking about how elites in postcolonial states deploy politicized homophobia to solidify their authority. Countering Afro-pessimism, the book shows that homophobia is not an inherent trait of African countries, and through detailed analysis of its rise and use, offers knowledge beneficial to combatting it.' Rachel Sullivan Robinson, American Journal of Sociology
Table of ContentsList of figures; Acknowledgments; List of abbreviations; Introduction: politicized homophobia in Malawi; 1. The politicization of same-sex sexualities in Malawi; 2. Trials of love: the rise of politicized homophobia; 3. The repressive 'wedge' politics of politicized homophobia; 4. Arrested solidarity: why some movements do not support LGBT rights; 5. Under duress: sexual minorities' perceptions about the effects of politicized homophobia; Conclusion: the reach and limits of politicized homophobia; References.
