What does it means to be a family man in a matrilineal society? Masculinity and women’s empowerment in Akan, Ghana

The definition of ideals (hegemonic) masculinities has changed over time and by social context. This study explores the narrative of lives and experiences of Akan people in Ghana through ethnographic lens. The Akan communities are matrilineal society with patriarchal values. This research focuses on practice and notion of masculinities through generation in social context of matrilineal patriarchy. In doing so, the research attempted to investigate how people perceive changes in ideals masculinities and its relation to gender power relation within the family and women’s empowerment. In matrilineal society, traditional fatherhood and motherhood also matter as gender identities and institution to maintain patriarchy. To understand multiple social dimensions that reinforce and reproduce patriarchy, intersectionality becomes key framework in this study. Through ethnographic journey, the research provides realistic description of masculinities and people’s lives of Agogo in Ghana. Even if it sounds harsh to Akan men, the research findings show reality of matrilineal communities as another face of patriarchal society.