“Every Male in There Is Your Competition”: Young Men's Perceptions Regarding the Role of the Drinking Setting in Male-to-Male Barroom Aggression

Abstract

The present paper explores young men's perceptions regarding the influence of the bar setting on male-to-male barroom aggression. Focus group interviews were conducted with 27 young men aged 18–25 in London, Ontario, Canada. Participants were given a description of a typical incident of aggression between men in bars and asked to discuss why the incident happened. The following themes pertaining to the role of the setting were identified: (1) sexual competition and male rivalry; (2) heightened concerns with image and social pressure to fight; (3) anonymity and taking on a different identity; (4) provocation and negative stimuli; (5) bar staff behavior; (6) acceptance and expectation of aggression; (7) high level of drunkenness; and (8) thrill, excitement, high energy level, and uncertainty of what might happen. These findings are discussed within a situational/crime prevention framework and prevention implications are highlighted.

Keywords:

• aggression
• licensed premises
• young adults
• men
• prevention
• drinking context