(Un)Packing a Punch: The Role of The Gender Belief System in Barroom Aggression

Past studies has shown that a large number of variables predict male to male aggression in public drinking premises. Although there are well established links on explaining men’s aggression in barroom contexts such as its relationship with binge drinking, more recent studies has begun to show that there are socially learned factors that are also related. One such factor is the influence of the gender belief system on men’s aggressive tendencies, particularly masculine norms. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the link between male role norms endorsement, masculine discrepancy stress, ambivalent sexism and barroom aggression among males. A sample of 180 Turkish speaking male, young adult students from various universities in Northern Cyprus completed the Male Role Norms Scale, Masculine Discrepancy Stress Scale, Ambivalent Sexism Inventory and Male Alcohol-Related Aggression Inventory. It was hypothesized that participants who show high adherence of traditional masculine norms and experience masculine discrepancy stress will be more likely to show positive attitudes towards barroom aggression. Additionally, men who are high in ambivalent sexism, particularly benevolent sexism and masculine identification will be more likely to be a part of an aggressive incidents at public drinking places. Findings of the study revealed that men who strictly endorse traditional male role norms are more likely to engage violence in licensed drinking places. Also, it was found that hostile sexism was a significant predictor of barroom aggression. Benevolent sexism on the other hand, played a mediating role between endorsement of masculine norms and barroom aggression. Lastly, no significant influence of masculine discrepancy stress was found. The implications of the findings and prevention strategies is further discussed. Keywords: Male Role Norms, Masculine Discrepancy Stress, Ambivalent Sexism, Barroom Aggression