Tackling Lad Culture and Cliques
Are cliques or “lad culture” creating a toxic work environment in your SU?
Cliques form by accident in many workplaces, and the nature of the SU officer environment means they often form quickly and robustly. We can accidentally end up excluding other officers who don’t come from the same faculty or share the same interests or circle of friends. More seriously, we can find ourselves perpetuating forms of exclusion we know by other names, like racism, sexism, and more. If we want to represent all students, we can’t fall into cliques. This has other impacts, including the disruption of relationships with staff.
1. The impact of cliques and lad culture on the mental health and well-being of students at SU
Research has shown that being excluded or feeling like an outsider can have a significant negative impact on mental health and well-being. This is especially true for students who are already struggling with anxiety or depression. When cliques and lad culture dominate the SU environment, it can create a toxic atmosphere where students feel like they don’t belong or aren’t valued. This can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts. It’s important for SU officers to be aware of the potential harm that cliques and lad culture can cause and take steps to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
What is lad culture?
Lad culture is a phenomenon of student life that promotes an exaggerated masculinity – one expressed through hard drinking and hard bantering; one that normalises sexual harassment; one that exaggerates this masculinity in the face of a perceived threat to it. Female students or students who don’t fit into the lad stereotype in particular may suffer from this kind of behaviour because they might feel unsafe or uneasy there. To make SUs a safe and welcoming place for all students and staff, it is critical that you as student leaders address and combat lad culture.
“Traditional views of gender roles are still held by a significant number of young people in Ireland. “(Crosson)
2. How cliques or lad culture can affect a student’s social life, extracurricular activities, and overall college experience
Lad culture can have a detrimental effect on a student’s social life, extracurricular activities, and overall college experience. Students who do not fit into these groups may feel excluded and isolated, leading to a lack of participation in activities and events. They may feel that the SU is a toxic environment where they may not receive the support they need, or where the attitudes of the clique in control might even make their problems worse. This in turn can further impact their mental health and well-being, as they may feel unsupported and alone. Additionally, cliques and lad culture perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discrimination, further contributing to a toxic environment. It is crucial for SU officers to actively work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting atmosphere where all students feel valued and supported.
3. Strategies that SU can implement to address toxic behaviour related to cliques or lad culture among its students
There are several strategies that Student Union officers can implement to address toxic behaviour related to cliques or lad culture among their students. One effective approach is to actively promote diversity and inclusivity through education and awareness campaigns. This can involve organising workshops, seminars, and events that promote respect, tolerance, and understanding of different cultures, backgrounds, and identities. Another strategy is to create safe spaces where students can share their experiences and concerns without fear of judgement or discrimination. This can involve setting up support groups or counselling services that cater to the specific needs of marginalised or underrepresented groups. Finally, SU officers can inspect their own working culture. Is someone ‘on the team’ in name only? What can be done to bring them in?
Additionally, the SU should consider adopting a zero-tolerance approach to activities involving excessive drinking and exclusionary behaviour. It’s just not what SUs were made for.
4. The role of student leaders in promoting inclusion and diversity within the SU community
Student leaders play a crucial role in promoting inclusion and diversity within the SU community. They have the power to create meaningful change by advocating for policies and initiatives that promote equity and representation. One way they can do this is by cross-collaborating with clubs and socs and excluded students to amplify their voices and support their initiatives. Additionally, student leaders can use their platforms to raise awareness about issues affecting marginalised communities and advocate for systemic change within the university. By working together and leveraging your collective influence, student leaders can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of the SU community.
Tackling lad culture isn’t about killing the craic. It’s about ensuring that everyone in your SU can engage as equals in the activities and work of your Union.