Minority of apprentices would challenge sexist jokes and language, study finds

While 76% of apprentices were satisfied with the sex education they had previously received in school or on previous courses, their experiences of consent were largely passive. File photo

Most apprentices believe they would act to prevent potential physical sexual violence, but the likelihood of intervention dropped for ‘everyday’ problematic behaviours, such as challenging sexist language or jokes.

More than 720 craft apprentices were asked for their views for the first time on consent, sexual violence and harassment, bystander intervention, gender roles in intimate relationships, and knowledge of legal responsibilities as part of the Active* Consent programme’s outreach and education initiatives.

Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) and the University of Galway Active* Consent programme have collaborated on consent education, making it available to all apprenticeship training centres nationally.

The vast majority, 95%, of those taking part said they felt somewhat or well prepared to act if they saw sexual violence or harassment taking place.

However, the likelihood of intervention dropped for everyday problematic behaviours. Just 36% said they would challenge sexist language, and 21% said they would challenge a sexist joke.

Consent

While 76% of apprentices were satisfied with the sex education they had previously received in school or on previous courses, their experiences of consent were largely passive.

The apprentices also identified communication challenges in practice. Of those surveyed, 50% reported that verbally asking for consent was awkward, and just 51% had discussed consent with a friend.

The vast majority of those taking part were young men, meaning the study’s findings offer a “cross-section of young men in our society,” according to Professor Pádraig MacNeela from the School of Psychology at University of Galway.

“Their views and behaviours reflect what their peers around the country are saying and doing.

"As we can see from the survey findings, only half of apprentices have spoken with friends about consent," he added. "So getting time and space to work with them in this setting is such an important step in creating more conversations about consent.”

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

Taking a positive but educational approach to working with young men on consent behaviour starts with strengths, according to Sinead McGrath, further education and training lead, Active* Consent Programme. 

"For example, nearly all apprentices in the survey agreed that you need to talk about consent before being intimate with someone."

• Jess Casey is education correspondent for the Irish Examiner