New research carried out by Safe Ireland reveals that younger people often hold more rigid views on gender roles and gender equality. The findings were presented at a Safe Ireland Conference Programme in Mayo. Safe Ireland is the national agency working to end domestic abuse. The research was made possible by funding which came through The Community Foundation for Ireland’s The Women Funds which aims to improve the lives of women and young girls through social change. More than €350,000 has been contributed from The Community Foundation for Ireland and its generous donors to support the crucial work of Safe Ireland.
The research shows that a considerable number of people, most notably younger people, still hold traditional views on gender based roles and responsibilities. Gender Matters in Ireland 2019 combines quantitative and qualitative surveys, exploring equality in work, people’s awareness of domestic abuse and more. It will form the basis for more in-depth research.
Traditional Views
The research finds that 26% of young people aged 16 to 25 think that a man should act as head of the household with one in four (25%) expressing the view that men should earn most money to support a family. This is compared with 22% of all adults.
A relatively high number of people said they believed that women are to blame for lack of respect and even abuse towards themselves. One in seven adults (16%), increasing to one in five men (20%) express the view that some women may provoke abuse against themselves.
The projected also highlighted views on emotions and feelings. It stated that 24% of men said they should not admit to having their feelings hurt. However, women and younger people were more likely to disagree with this.
The research points to an interesting difference in attitudes between those based in urban and rural settings. It finds that those with the least awareness of domestic abuse are based in Dublin, with the most elevated awareness and understanding in more rural regions like Connaught and the rest of Leinster. One such example is that 20% (1 in 5) believe that it is embarrassing for a man to have a job that is usually done by a woman. This view is more likely to be held by men (27%) and in Dublin (31%).
Lad Culture
The report also indicates that “lad culture” remains very prevalent, with younger women in particular regarding group macho behaviour as a serious concern and often intimidating issue that they face on a regular basis.
Catriona Gleeson of Safe Ireland described the findings as “a bit of a wake-up call to any cosy notion that Ireland’s new generation has moved beyond macho or jock culture.” She warned that this may be due to parents or older role models reinforcing rigid views on gender. She added “It is indicating that we need to re-think the way we are talking to our young people about respect and equality.”
To read more about the research please click here.