Violence and abuse a ‘fact of life' for women due to rise of right wing young men

New research into attitudes, influence, and well-being among Irish men shows that 2 in 5 men hold ‘traditionalist’ views.

This includes agreeing or being unsure on statements such as “men who don’t dominate in relationships aren’t real men,” (52%) “a man’s worth is measured by power and control over others,” (54%) and “real men shouldn’t have to care about women’s opinions or feelings.” (46%). Of these ‘Traditionalist’ men, 70% believe that women’s issues are exaggerated. 

‘Traditionalists’ are more likely to be younger men (67%), particularly those in their twenties, who exhibit a higher adherence to traditional masculine roles compared to older age groups.

READ MORE: Gardai 'identify' five people following renewed appeal over Dublin riots

This trend suggests that younger men may be more influenced by contemporary online figures who promote traditional masculinity.

Women’s Aid have expressed their concerns that domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) is not being given due prioritisation in political party manifestos for General Election 2024.

Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid said: "We live in a world where women’s and girls’ rights and opportunities are under attack, where democracy itself is more fragile in the face of increased levels of authoritarianism across the globe.

"We have online environments that are telling women and girls that their worth is vested in how thin they are, how beautiful and how ready for the sex depicted in pornography.  At the same time, there is a different gendered experience influencing so many young men and boys online and we are struggling to get in front of messages of masculine alienation and algorithms that draw them down rabbit holes into deeply misogynistic spaces.”

READ MORE: 'Such a kind, sweet girl': Deep sense of sadness at death of woman following road crash

In this context, and with a General Election just a week away, Women’s Aid is monitoring how the main political parties are addressing gender-based violence and gender inequality in their party manifestos. 

Ms Benson explains: "It is concerning that, despite remaining so pervasive, damaging and costly to women, families and communities across Ireland, domestic abuse is not being given due prioritisation in many party manifestos. While most of the manifestos mention domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to some extent, none set it out as a main priority.  

"Domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a matter of great urgency. It is a public health issue, it is a crime issue, it is a housing issue, it is an education issue, and it is an economic issue. We are calling for all parties to publicly commit to the continuation and full resourcing of the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. It must be a priority in the next programme for government.”

To support work to progress efforts in Ireland to reduce abuse and increase gender equality Women’s Aid, in partnership with Core, is also launching new research today, “Evolving Manhood: Attitudes, Influence, and Well-being Among Irish Men.” 

The main focus was to further understand men’s attitudes to women and manhood, the researchers surveyed 1,000 adults, representative of the Irish adult population, who were asked several questions about perceptions of manhood and the attitudes men express.

It found that 61% of men in Ireland have low levels of agreement with more traditional views of manhood, such as “Men should be the ones to bring money home to provide for their families, not women,” “Guys should act strong even if they feel scared or nervous inside,” and “A man who talks a lot about his worries, fears, and problems shouldn’t really get respect.” 

This highlights the evolving views men have about male identity, a more moderate view of masculinity.

However, 39% of men agree or are uncertain about these perceptions of manhood and can be classified as “Traditionalists.” Compared to the “Moderate” group (3 in 5 men), Traditionalists are more likely to be younger men, with 67% of men aged 18-29 years old holding more traditional views, or less certain about more moderate views.

In general, young men in Ireland are turning to digital forums, YouTube and podcasts to learn about topics, including their identity and role in society.

The research shows that when asked what challenges men face, ‘Traditionalists’ cited being the financial provider and difficulty expressing vulnerabilities, while ‘Moderates’ suggested mental health challenges and loneliness or need for social connection amongst men.

Of most concern, is how the two groups viewed relationships. While ‘Moderates’ rejected dominance and control, half of the ‘Traditionalist’ group agree that “men who don’t dominate in relationships aren’t real men (52%),” that “a man’s worth is measured by power and control over others (54%)” and “Real men shouldn’t have to care about women’s opinions or feelings (46%).”

This view towards relationships explains wider views on gender equality with only half of Traditionalists agreeing that men should be involved in conversations about gender equality or advocate for equality between men and women. 

Speaking about the findings, Finian Murphy, from Core Research said: “This research reveals how most men in Ireland have an evolved view of manhood, away from traditional attitudes of strength, stoicism and being the primary provider.

"However, with 2 in 5 men holding these attitudes, particularly younger men, there is a link with attitudes that can be harmful towards women, children, and men themselves."