Engaging men is a critical part of the movement to address, prevent, and ultimately end sexual and domestic violence. Joyful Heart’s report, Defining Manhood for the Next Generation: Exploring Young Men’s Perceptions of Gender Roles and Violence, explores young men’s attitudes around gender roles, masculinity, the characteristics of “good men,” and the male role models who influence these views.
The research, funded by the Verizon Foundation and conducted by GfK Custom Research, LLC, is part of Joyful Heart’s work to promote positive, healthy masculinity and change the national conversation about manhood. Greater insight into how young men’s understanding and definition of manhood, the role of men and women, and sexuality and sexual orientation can help Joyful Heart and partner organizations develop education, awareness, and other communication campaigns that authentically build upon the positive underpinnings of masculinity, promote an aspirational view of masculinity, and change attitudes about manhood to help end violence against women and girls.
The report finds that “while young men prioritize being seen as a ‘real man,’ part of the definition of a ‘real man’ is changing—and for the better. Young men unanimously agree that ‘real men’ treat women with respect. In addition, phrases like ‘man up’ and ‘be a man’ appear to be fading from today’s vernacular.” However, the research also found that some young men still accept outmoded ideas about gender roles and see a punitive double standard in society that benefits women and girls at their expense.