Background
to the
Research
- Until now, there has never
been a large-scale random sample survey of attitudes and values to
a range of 'men's issues' conducted within NI.
- Men's Life and Times, a
module within the 2000 NILT survey, is, therefore, a milestone piece
of research. It is particularly welcome because it not only asks men
and boys about issues which affect themselves, but it also asks women
and girls for their opinions on these subjects. This dimension makes
Men's Life and Times unique.
Research
Approach
- The data used by the authors come from
the 2000 NILT survey.
- The NILT survey began in 1998 and is carried
out annually. Interviews are carried out with a random selection of
around 1,800 adults (aged 18 years and over) who live in private households
in NI.
- The Men's Life and Times module asked
both men and women about men's issues in NI.
Main
Findings
- Men and women think quite similarly about
which jobs are appropriate for whom.
- Although role reversal is desirable, it
is perceived to be easier for women than men.
- Although respondents agree that 'most
workplaces expect so much of their employees that men can't get enough
time to spend with their families', many also believe that 'many fathers
choose to work such long hours that it damages family life'.
- Fewer men (59%) than women (67%) agree
that 'men can care for children just as well as women can, although
younger men show higher levels of support than older men.
- Across a wide range of social issues,
there is strong support for both policy change and the introduction
of expanded services to meet men's needs, such as paid paternity leave,
a helpline run by men for men, and Well Man Clinics.
- Half of men and women perceive that 'men
fear failure more than women', which has implications in terms of
seeking support, attending counselling, trying new things and embracing
change.
Conclusions
- There is still a long way to go before
men's needs and issues are fully represented and reflected within
the policy agenda. However, it will be detrimental to both men and
women if policy and decision-makers continue to react to emerging
problems rather than formulating proactive, preventative strategies.
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