Published in March, the ‘That’s What She Said’ report,
follows on from the 2010 report, Hidden Marks which produced the shocking
statistic that 68% of respondents had been subject to one or more incidents of
sexual harassment on campus during their time at university.
Containing analysis of research undertaken through single
and group interviews with female students from England and Scotland, the report
found laddish behaviour to be a major issue at university, especially the
social aspect of it.
Defined as a ‘pack’ mentality, usually residing within
groups and fuelled by heavy alcohol consumption, lad culture is predominantly
based on the use of sexist, homophobic and misogynistic ‘banter’; it has also
been linked to the normalisation of sexual harassment and violence against
women. As a consequence, groping and
sexual harassment (both physical and verbal) has been quoted as ‘part of a
normal night out’, both within in the report and from Swansea students
interviewed.
Some bars and clubs embrace lad culture, using it as part of
their marketing techniques to persuade men into bars with the lure of cheap
alcohol and sexual activity. In Swansea, this is prevalent across several bars
and clubs, with scantily clad women on their promotions material and events
such as ‘traffic light parties’ where people are encouraged to highlight their
sexual availability. Typically part of lad culture, this stops many women
wanting to visit some establishments to avoid it:
Jayde, a 20 year old Osteopathy student said: “I think it’s
pretty standard on a night out, even when I’ve been wearing jeans and a normal
top I’ve been groped so it’s not like we ‘ask for it’. I get pretty angry
sometimes, especially when I tell someone to stop and then they carry on.”
Anna, a student from Health Sciences added: “If I get groped
and retaliate, they act like I’m in the wrong! It’s not acceptable but it’s so
common I don’t even like going to clubs like Oceana and Revs anymore.”
Finally, Alex Hughes, a second year Social Policy student
stated: “I'd say that pretty much every time I go
out some guy will either grab or touch me without my consent or say
inappropriate things. I agree that it is the boys 18-21 who do it more. Older
guys on the whole are more respectful.
“Although creepy guys do annoy me I do think it is important to remember that a lot of guys don't behave like that!”
“Although creepy guys do annoy me I do think it is important to remember that a lot of guys don't behave like that!”
Despite its prevalence within the social side of university,
lad behaviour is also said to be spilling over into the academic. This is
prevalent within the negative attitudes towards feminism and other
gender-related topics in academia which are not taken seriously by many
students. What is surprising is how many students state that they are
anti-homophobia and anti-racism, yet participate in bashing these important
topics.
The growth in websites such as UniLad, a banter site aimed
at students, has meant that this culture has become more widespread as it is
celebrated and encouraged by both the website and its readers. With current
articles including ‘5 places to have a wee after a night out’ and inviting
people to submit their best banter videos, it is clear that people are being
encouraged to participate in behaviour that many would find unacceptable.
This also has implications for the private lives of some,
with increased pressure to be with only conventionally attractive partners and
attain ever higher numbers of sexual partners.
On a more positive note, the report also highlights that not
every male is part of this culture, with this behaviour mostly the fault of a
minority, albeit one that seems to have a growing dominance over the social
side of university.
Adam Halton, a third year Social Policy student said: “Lad culture gives a hideously dim view of male students as sexist
meatheads, and harms females by perpetuating misogyny & rape culture.
“In my opinion, it's mostly hollister-wearing misogynists covering for
their insecurity about their penis size, height, and intelligence. Frankly,
it's the most hideous thing about university since the coalition tripled
tuition fees.”
Rob Abrams, a 22 year old Politics and Social Policy student said: “I feel under immense pressure to conform to it.
Especially as someone who doesn't especially like drinking.
“Lad culture seems to be, I feel, a product of young men
coming to university and leaving home for the first time. They get nervous and
try on new tough personas in order to over compensate for their lack of
confidence. A lot of people seem to think making friends is all about one
upping each other.
However, Josh Osbourne, a 21 year old Business Management
student, held an opposing view: “I think university wouldn't be half as
much fun if we behaved liked gentlemen, I'm young and foolish, so now is the
time to behave accordingly.”
On the topic of peer pressure, he added: “Everyone experiences
peer pressure. By now we should all be mature enough to be responsible for our
own actions. I don't think we can blame 'lad' culture for the acts of
individuals.”
The movement against this behaviour is also growing. The
Facebook page, ‘Spotted: Sexism on Campus’, allows students to submit their
experiences of misogynistic behaviour at university and shame those responsible
for it. Many posts mention sexual harassment on nights out, although some
mention more serious cases including a taxi driver who wanted to ‘save a student
some money’, suggesting sexual favours instead of payment. Some posts by men
also highlight the growing trend of women buying into this culture, stating how
they have also been harassed.
Although many think of lad culture as only a bit of banter
and a joke, it is clear from many students’ experiences that this is becoming a
more serious problem which needs to be recognised and tackled.
Becki Warrilow, Swansea Students’ Union’s Women’s Office
said:
“The report 'That's what she said' highlights important issues and myths
surrounding lad-culture. It is a culture adopted by a select portion of both
genders, but also affects a larger portion of both genders
in negative ways; giving misconception of how men and women
are perceived and expected to behave in
today's student culture.
“Furthermore, it highlights how lad-culture is creating an
environment which is conducive to sexual violence and harassment
which is a huge cause for concern on all campuses. Zero tolerance plays a big
part in counteracting lad-culture, by expanding zero tolerance to halls of
residence and hopefully the whole campus we can educate and protect our staff
and students from sexual harassment and show them that
this behaviour is not common, nor is it accepted.”
