A representative survey by Plan International e.V. has produced revealing results. The non-governmental organisation surveyed 1,000 men and 1,000 women aged 18 to 35 on various aspects of masculinity. The results of the “Masculinity in Conflict” survey show, among other things:
Half of the young men surveyed believe it is important to have the final say in decisions within a relationship.
More than a third of the men surveyed have already been physically violent towards women to instil respect.
One in three young men finds it acceptable if they occasionally lose their temper and hit their partner during an argument.
In contrast, the vast majority of women clearly advocate for a modern image of men.
The Federal Association for Work with Perpetrators of Domestic Violence (BAG TäHG) notes with great concern the widespread endorsement and acceptance of patriarchal roles and the general readiness for violence among young men. The notion of male superiority and the rejection of gender equality manifest oppressive social structures and lead to gender-based violence. In cases of domestic violence—which, according to current figures from the State Criminal Police Offices and Ministries of the Interior, increased by 9.3% last year—violence originates not only from individual factors such as being overwhelmed but also from socially anchored patriarchal ideas and power dynamics. Two-thirds of those affected continue to be female.
It is also evident that more and more women are demanding their right to equality within partnerships. At the same time, many men feel threatened and overwhelmed by this. Evidently—and the survey results also show this—the expectations of women and men differ regarding gender-specific behaviours and equality.
Regardless of methodological discussions, the survey by Plan International e.V. makes it clear once again that an earlier, more intensive, and more consistent engagement with prevailing understandings of gender is necessary. Particularly given that our member institutions are also observing an increase in young clients, we need a stronger focus on this topic both in practical counselling work and within society to protect those affected and prevent domestic violence. The BAG TäHG work standard emphasises the relevance of addressing stereotypical gender perceptions. We therefore call on the federal and state governments to expand funding for perpetrator work as an integral part of violence prevention, so that outdated role models can be broken down and gender equality can be advanced.
