Shebeen Queens: Illicit Liquor and the Social Structure of Drinking Dens in Cato Manor

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Periodical article

Title:	Shebeen Queens: Illicit Liquor and the Social Structure of Drinking Dens in Cato Manor
Author:	Edwards, I.
Year:	1988
Periodical:	Agenda: Empowering Women for Gender Equity
Issue:	3
Pages:	75-97
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	women entrepreneurs bars Cultural Roles Labor and Employment
External link:	https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10130950.1988.9675041
Abstract:	The African shebeen (illicit African drinking house) queens operating in the densely populated shantytowns of Cato Manor, Durban, South Africa, gained prominence for their key role in the Cato Manor Beerhall riots of June 1959 and the killing of nine policemen during the course of a liquor raid in Cato Manor in January 1960. These events being well documented, this paper analyses other key elements within shebeen life: What is the relationship between shebeens and other venues for the consumption of liquor? What are the essential elements within the shebeen culture? How do shebeens operate? What are the characteristics of a shebeen queen and how do these women relate to both male customers and the shantytown society as a whole? The study is based almost entirely on oral evidence provided by both shebeen queens, and more especially shebeen patrons. Bibliogr., notes, ref.