Since the autumn of 2017, issues of sexual consent have gained a prominent place in the public debate. #Metoo became a worldwide movement that challenged norms around sexual interaction patterns. Attention was drawn to sexual consent in general, but especially to men and men's role in sexual interaction, to destructive masculinity norms and to men's collective responsibility to learn from the stories presented, towards change. Since then, Sweden has also introduced sexual offence legislation based on consent.

About the study

However, few studies have examined how men interpret and understand the #metoo movement, and there is a particular lack of research on how men understand this movement about their own experiences of sexual interaction and sexual consent. This study aims to explore men's understandings and experiences of #metoo and sexual consent, concerning gender and sexuality norms and individual experiences of sexual interaction. The study is based on qualitative material based on individual interviews. The individual interviews focus on exploring consent and the impact of the #metoo movement on men's individual lives and sexual experiences. Men over the age of 18 will be asked to participate in the study.

The study is of great relevance to professionals in the field of human services, as there is limited knowledge about how men understand #metoo, how the movement has influenced men's attitudes and behaviour, and what impact it has had on men's individual experiences and social contexts. On the one hand, #Metoo is described as a revolution that has changed men's attitudes towards women forever; on the other hand, it is described as a digital social media campaign that has not brought about radical changes in terms of gender inequality. Examining how men think and reason about sexuality, intimacy and sexual interaction in relation to consent and #metoo and also in relation to their own social contexts and individual experiences is of great importance for people in general, and for professionals who encounter men in particular. The study aims to highlight norms around sexuality and intimacy but also explores how men deal with different, sometimes conflicting, expectations of what it means to be a man today. The study contributes knowledge about sexual consent, intimacy and sexuality, based on individual perspectives, reflections and experiences. The study's results can be used professionally to create a deeper understanding of what it means to grow up and be a man in today's society.

Ethical review

The Swedish Ethical Review Authority has ethically reviewed and approved the research project.

Participate in the study

We are seeking participants for an interview study on young men's perspectives on issues of sexuality and intimacy concerning consent and #metoo.

We are looking for research participants for a study on young men's perspectives on issues of sexuality and intimacy concerning consent and #metoo. In the study, we want to explore men's thoughts, feelings and experiences of consent and #metoo and what significance consent and #metoo have had for men's individual lives and experiences. The study will be based on individual interviews with men over 18 years of age and from different backgrounds. The interview is estimated to take 1-1.5 hours and will be conducted digitally or in a physical meeting. No real names will appear in the presentation of the results.

Do you want to participate in the study or get more information?

Contact Ylva Grönvall, research assistant at the Department of Social Work/Centre for Sexology and Sexuality Studies (CSS), Malmö University.

Ylva Grönvall 

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