The NSW Man Box 2025: Re-examining what it means to be a man in Australia

Abstract

This report explores how men in New South Wales understand and endorse rigid masculine norms, and how these norms are associated with intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, violent pornography use, poor mental health, gambling and alcohol use.<br><br> Drawing on the NSW sample from the national Man Box 2024 study, the report includes additional analysis of anti-feminist attitudes and their relationship to violence-supportive beliefs and harmful behaviours. The findings show that almost one-third of men aged 18 to 30 reported perpetrating physical or sexual intimate partner violence, and that stronger endorsement of rigid masculine norms is associated with higher rates of violence perpetration and related harms. The report contributes to the evidence base for primary prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence in NSW.