Background to the Research

• This chapter is based on the results of the first major survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles of young people, aged 14-25 years, in NI.
• The survey was conducted by the University of Ulster in conjunction with the Family Planning Association Northern Ireland from 2000 to 2002.
• The chapter puts those into context of the reconfiguration of contemporary society in (Northern) Ireland.
  

Research Approach

• A mixed methods approach was used in the research project.
• A large-scale survey based on a quota sampling technique was conducted. 1,013 self-administered questionnaires were returned.
• 71 focus group discussions took place in a variety of settings, such as schools, youth projects and training organisations.
• 15 one-to-one in-depth interviews were also conducted.
• This chapter is based on findings related to young men that took part in the research project.
  

Main Findings

• The authors argue that traditional core beliefs, constitutive practices and gender institutions are challenged in a sustained way in modern society. The role of the man as a main bread winner is slowly disappearing, and consequently what it means to be a man (or woman) in contemporary Irish society has changed.
• The focus of the chapter is on young men in NI, their difficulties in moving away from traditional values of manhood and to cope with the emerging multiplicity of masculinities.
• The authors also argue that institutions such as the school and the church play a role in this because they struggle to move away from traditional values of masculinity defined around fatherhood and work.