Background to the Research
- This Research Update uses data from a module of questions entitled "Men's
Life and Times", which was included in the 2000 Northern
Ireland Life and Times Survey.
- Questions were devised in conjunction with The
Men's Project, and asked both men and women about their attitudes
to issues facing men.
Research Approach
- 1800 adults and 259 young people were interviewed in their own homes.
Main
Findings
- Men's
Life and Times is a milestone - it is the first large-scale random sample
survey of the attitudes of both men and women in Northern Ireland to
the issues affecting men.
- The
important role of fathers and the need for this to be reflected in legal
and welfare systems, were acknowledged.
- There
is an ongoing conflict between the demands of the workplace and family
life.
- School
is a key place for helping young people to break out of stereotypes,
and to value and respect the opposite sex.
- The use
of the male pill was regarded with some scepticism.
- The majority
of respondents rejected discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation
- These
results raise serious issues for policy makers. There was a particular
desire for specific dedicated support services for men, as well as for
gender awareness curriculum development in schools.
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