Jesuit Social Services
Attitudes to manhood and the behaviours of Australian men aged 18 to 45
Executing impactful research in a sensitive, engaging and ethical manner
The Man Box refers to a set of beliefs within and across society that place pressure on men to be a certain way – to be tough; not to show any emotions; to be the breadwinner, to always be in control, use violence to solve problems; and to have many sexual partners. Endorsement of these stereotypical masculine norms among men is often associated with harmful attitudes and behaviours, including an increased propensity to perpetrate violence against women.
Client Background
Jesuit Social Services is a not-for-profit organisation. Its Men’s Project supports men and boys to live respectful, accountable and fulfilling lives free from violence and other harmful behaviours by addressing the root causes of men’s violence.
In 2018, Jesuit Social Services published The Man Box, the first Australian study that focused specifically on the associations between attitudes to masculinity and the behaviours of 1,000 Australian men aged 18-30. A second study, Unpacking the Man Box, also involving 1,000 men aged 18-30, was published in 2019.
Objectives
The present study, conducted by Wallis Social Research during 2023, involved qualitative and quantitative research with Australian men aged 18 to 45 years.
The research explored young men’s attitudes and behaviours across a range of topics including gender norms, physical appearance, physical and mental health, relationships, caring for children and housework, sexuality and violence.
Methodology
An online survey with over 3,500 Australian males was conducted to explore their wellbeing and attitudes and behaviours in relation to people and relationships. The study involved two audiences: males aged 18-30 years, to enable comparisons with previous Man Box studies, and a new cohort of males aged 31-45 years.
The qualitative component involved 7 online group discussions. The groups explored participants’ views around gender norms, vulnerability, peer violence and gender violence. These groups were segmented by participants’ endorsement of Man Box attitudes and demographic variables including age range, education and occupational status.
Challenges
Given the sensitive nature of topics explored, considerable care was taken to safeguard participant wellbeing and to create environments in which participants felt safe and comfortable expressing their opinions and experiences.
Results
The survey results found that 36 per cent of men aged 18-45 felt social pressure to behave or act a certain way because of their gender. Furthermore, 24 per cent of these men personally endorsed Man Box views.
The pressure to be and adherence to being a ‘real man’ drastically increases the likelihood of causing harm to young men and those around them, women in particular. Men who most strongly endorsed Man Box views were:
31 times more likely to believe domestic violence should be handled privately
17 times more likely to have hit their partner
8 times more likely have thoughts of suicide nearly every day
6 times more likely to display signs of problem gambling; and
Twice as likely to binge drink.
The survey research results were published in 2024 and are available here
The survey results highlight the need to increase awareness of the harmful impacts of the Man Box norms and to promote positive alternatives to improve the wellbeing of people from all genders.
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