SOS Mitmensch releases a detailed report proposing practical steps to address patriarchal attitudes and violent behaviour in boys, urging educational reform and early intervention to foster healthier masculinity.
SOS Mitmensch has called for a stronger, more coordinated effort to counter patriarchal attitudes and violence-promoting behaviour among boys, after gathering views from a dozen experts working in schools and boys’ outreach. In a 52-page report, the Austrian rights group says there are more than 20 practical steps that can be taken to strengthen social skills, care and cooperation, and to loosen the grip of harmful masculine expectations.
The report argues that schools should make space for regular discussion of feelings and conflict, not treat them as side issues. It also urges a more democratic classroom culture, better follow-up after incidents of violence and wider use of workshops on conflict prevention and sex education. The experts also back more resources for relationship-based work in schools, broader violence prevention, a shared ethics class and stronger anti-misogyny work online.
Alexander Pollak, the group’s spokesman, said boys who define themselves through possession, honour and violence pose a serious social problem, but added that this is not inevitable. His argument is in line with wider evidence from psychologists and prevention specialists, who say boys are often taught narrow ideas of toughness and emotional restraint, and that early intervention can help prevent aggression later in life. Research reviewed by the American Psychological Association and others also suggests that programmes promoting healthy masculinity, reflection and verbal intervention can reduce violence-supporting attitudes.
Several of the educators and practitioners quoted in the report stress that boys need settings where they can speak openly without losing status. Thomas Angerer, head of HTL Wien West, said respectful treatment and a firm line on misconduct both matter, while AHS teacher Patrick Osterkorn argued that social learning must begin early and be built into all subjects. Other experts, including school leaders and specialists in boys’ work, said prevention works best when institutions create clear norms, respond properly to violence and give boys alternative models of masculinity based on reliability, care and equality. Pollak said the report’s findings could be a “game-changer” if politicians act on them, and urged a round table between policymakers and specialists.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
