The attitudes of young men towards women are shifting to become more traditionalist, a domestic violence charity has warned.

New research from Women's Aid shows that two-in-five Irish men hold "traditionalist" views on women and masculinity.

The study – Evolving Manhood: Attitudes, Influence and Well-being among Irish Men – surveyed 500 men and 500 women.

It asked participants to say whether they agree or disagree with a variety of statements.

Two-in-five of the men surveyed identified themselves as "traditionalist", and of that cohort, 70% believe that women's issues are "exaggerated".

52% of these "traditionalists" either agree with or are unsure of the statement that a "man's worth is measured by his control and power over others".

Meanwhile, 46% of the "traditionalists" either agree with or are unsure of the statement: "men shouldn't have to care about women's opinions or feelings".

Shifting views of masculinity

On The Pat Kenny Show, Women's Aid CEO Sarah Benson said the findings are "worrying".

She suggested that online exposure to misogynistic content, such as pornography or certain influencers, may play a role in these shifting attitudes.

"Men are being dragged down this rabbit hole that suggests young men should feel alienated and that their masculinity is under threat," she said.

"That kind of masculinity is one that is around dominance and control where anger is the acceptable emotion."

The shift in young men towards these views could have "real life consequences" for women, Ms Benson said.

"Younger men are more likely to espouse traditionalist views, which include views that are dangerous for women, such as the policing of women's bodies," she said.

"We have a horrible legacy in this country of this, and we certainly don't want to go back to that space."

Intergenerational dialogue

At the launch of the report, Ms Benson said "real encouragement and useful insights" can be taken from this report.

"We can see clear opportunities for intergenerational dialogue between older and younger men who may be internalising more traditionalist views of masculinity, power and dominance due to the outsized influence of online role models," she said.

Ms Benson also said it is important to look at how these views are part of a "societal" problem.

"We cannot ignore the inbuilt systemic gender inequalities in structures and systems which influence all women’s lived experience, and their capacity to thrive as equals with men," she said.

The research was released to mark Women's Aid 50th year in operation.

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Featured image shows a woman sitting at a table with a man behind her, facing away, 21/05/2020, Alamy.