2023-06-12 19:04:00
A survey by Plan International Germany, an independent international aid and development organization, found that one in three young men in Germany condone violence against women to some extent. Plan International is one of the largest and oldest child care organizations operating in more than 50 countries around the world. The online survey, which was conducted from 9 to 21 March 2023 throughout Germany, was attended by 1,000 men and the same number of women aged 18 to 35.
The study’s findings shocked many gender equality experts and specialists: 33 percent of the men surveyed said they found it “acceptable” to be physically abused from time to time in arguments. 34 percent of those surveyed have already resorted to violence against women in order to inspire them with respect for themselves. In addition, a high level of homophobia was revealed among the respondents: 48 percent expressed concern about the public manifestation of homosexuality.
Referent of the German association “Federal Men’s Forum” Karsten Kassner (Karsten Kassner) in an interview with the media group Funke said that the results of the survey literally shocked him. “The problem is that a third of the men surveyed downplay physical violence against women. This urgently needs to change,” – said Kassner.
The image of a woman-housewife has taken root in the minds of many men.
According to the Funke media group, which includes the women’s magazines Bild der Frau and Aktuell among other publications, the study also shows that the image of the traditional “housewife” seems to be firmly entrenched in the minds of many men. 52 percent of the men surveyed see their role as financially providing for the family, while women, in their view, should mainly take care of children and run the household.
According to the survey, every second young man does not want to enter into a relationship with a woman if she has previously had many sexual partners. At the same time, 37 percent said that they themselves would like to have as many sexual contacts as possible. 71 percent of the men surveyed believe that they themselves should solve their problems and not ask for help, 51 percent consider themselves weak and vulnerable if they show feelings.
Plan International Germany spokeswoman Alexandra Tschacher, in an interview with German media, said that “the classic role-playing images of women and men are firmly planted in the minds.” 14 percent of the women surveyed consider it normal if a man’s hand suddenly slips.
According to Carsten Kassner, Dean of the Federal Men’s Forum, which brings together 38 organizations that raise awareness of gender equality among boys, men and fathers across Germany, many men are not opposed to the idea of equality between the sexes in principle, but they are not ready to put this equality into practice. . In this context, Kassner believes that the task of policy is to change the general conditions for the sexes.
Poll criticism
Experts specializing in such studies argue that the group of respondents was not representative, and the survey methodology was not correct. The German media have asked Plan International Germany staff to clarify the details of the study and are waiting for a response.
Either way, violence against women is still a big problem in Germany. About 140,000 cases of intimate partner violence were reported in Germany in 2021, according to police data. 80 percent of the victims are women, almost 79 percent of the perpetrators are men.
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