"Lad Culture is a behaviour which can cause individuals to feel uncomfortable, discriminated, bullied or harassed and is the result of alienating attitudes and activities which marginalise people based on identifying characteristics."
Counter the Culture is the University of Bath Students' Union's campaign
to challenge 'Lad Culture' on our campus, and which affects not only
Higher Education, but is being seen throughout society.
In December 2014, Bath SU had almost 2000 responses from current
students to it's research on 'Lad Culture', much of which is still being
processed right now.
Raising awareness of underlying factors identified which contribute to
negative behaviours linked to 'Lad Culture', Counter the Culture aims to
evoke change at an institutional and Students' Union level, as well as
formally and informally in the student body.
If you would like to get involved, or find out more; attend an event or
take action, but most importantly, engage in conversation with your
peers about some of the issues identified. Issues addressed might be
hard to talk about, or uncomfortable for some, but they are incredibly
important and an unfortunate reality. Additional support is available
from the Advice and Representation Centre if you want to talk about any
of the issues raised.
To Counter the Culture takes each and everyone of us to challenge the
issues which surround us.
Share your experiences using #CounterTheCulture, speak in
confidence to an advisor, and help to create positive change for all.
Key Factors
The exchange of remarks between or about individuals or groups designed, or inadvertently which cause offence both in person and online.
Group mentality refers to the negative effect that a group of individuals can have over other individuals.
The consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol that can lead to negative behaviours such as ‘drinking games’ and forced alcohol consumption.
The reproduction of derogatory attitudes towards gender, sexual orientation and those who identify with protected characteristics, including; but not limited to; age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sex and trans status.
The exertion of power by one individual over another individual to negatively influence behaviours.
The cultural normalisation of sexual violence and rape, reinforced with the lack of awareness of the meaning of consent.
Sexual harassment can include unwanted groping, pinching, smacking and unwanted bodily contact. It can also include wolf whistling, catcalling, inappropriate sexual comments and sexually based insults, jokes, songs or taunts.
Cultures which exist within student groups such as ‘traditions’ of student groups and the hierarchical nature of clubs and societies that can elicit negative behaviours.