We Are Family!: Why are more young men more accepting of spousal violence?

A recent Singapore study has raised concerns over attitudes towards spousal violence, finding that younger men are more likely than older generations to agree with, or remain neutral about, whether such violence can ever be acceptable. The study also points to a growing divergence between young men and women in their views on gender roles and relationships.

In an episode of SPH Media’s We Are Family! podcast, Dr Bernard Mackenzie, Clinic Manager at the NIE Wellness Centre, National Institute of Education (NIE), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, joined Let’s Talk, Singapore to discuss what may be shaping these attitudes.

The conversation explored how changing expectations around gender and relationships, as well as social media and online influences, may affect the way young people understand respect, partnership and conflict. Dr Mackenzie also offered perspectives on the importance of helping young people develop healthier attitudes towards relationships and navigate differing expectations between men and women.

The episode, “Why are more young men more accepting of spousal violence?”, was published on 18 August 2026.

Listen to the radio broadcast here.