Report finds two in five men hold 'traditionalist' views

Research into attitudes, influence and well-being among Irish men shows that two in five hold 'traditionalist' views.

Of these ‘traditionalist' men, 70% believe that women’s issues are exaggerated.

They are more likely to be younger men, accounting for 67%, particularly those in their 20s, who exhibit a higher adherence to traditional masculine roles compared to older age groups.

The findings follow a survey of 1,000 adults who were asked about perceptions of manhood in research conducted by Women’s Aid in partnership with Core research.

Traditionalist views include 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%).

The trend suggests that younger men may be more influenced by contemporary online figures who promote traditional masculinity, according to Women’s Aid.

Finian Murphy of Core Research said the research showed "a link with attitudes that can be harmful towards women, children and men themselves".

Women’s Aid CEO Sarah Benson described the survey findings as "a clear opportunity" for intergenerational dialogue between older and younger men, who may be internalising more traditionalist views of masculinity, power and dominance due to the outsized influence of online role models.

"There is a paradox that emerges where we see that those men who feel pressure externally to behave and act in more traditionalist ways are internalising views that are not necessarily supported by the majority of other men and women," she said.

"These are insights that can help support more men and boys to espouse a moderate, more egalitarian, more emotionally connected form of masculinity," she added.

However, Ms Benson said that it could not be an individual project but a societal one.

The findings have been published on the 50th anniversary of Women’s Aid - which works to prevent and address domestic abuse, including coercive control in Ireland.

The organisation, which was founded in 1974 by the late Nuala Fennell, estimates that it has responded to at least 600,000 contacts from women across generations.

It is marking five decades by bringing together hundreds of key stakeholders at a conference in Dublin to examine challenges and solutions towards a goal of equality and zero tolerance.