Changing notions of adulthood and gender in modern Scottish society: Links to aggressive and risk-taking behaviours in Kirkcaldy, Fife

Background: Adolescent behaviours have attracted increasing attention recently as a result of their perceived deviance from previously accepted norms. While stereotypical gender-roles and behaviours are changing in line with employment opportunities, media portrayals and other cultural changes, so too have the realities of stereotypically gendered offences including violent behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to outline the approach taken to understand the changing notions of adulthood and gender, and its links to aggressive and risk-taking behaviours in Kirkcaldy, Scotland.

Methods: The research employs a mixed methods, intergenerational cohort study. The Scottish KnowFife database will provide baseline statistics regarding patterns of violence. Semi-structured interviews with three generations of families (child, parent(s), and grand-parent(s)), and followed up after a year, will explore complex and personal issues around employment, sexual behaviours, drinking, smoking, violence, and current cultural phenomena (i.e. ‘ladette' culture.) Interview transcripts are analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: Identified themes concern the intergenerational transmission of inequalities in health and opportunities and changes in perceptions of appropriate gender behaviours and levels of aggression and risk-taking. Comparisons are made within and between genders and generations.

Conclusions: The research examines the conceptualisation of behaviours to investigate the dynamic and dialogical nature of identity formation across three generations of families. The unique methodology will provide greater insight into how these conceptualisations interact with the choice to become involved in risky and aggressive behaviours. This will inform interventions aimed at interrupting the intergenerational reinforcement of inequalities in health, education, and quality of life.