WHY NEW MAN'S A MYTH

New Man is a myth according to a survey which shows that Britsh men have done little to embrace sexual equality.

Despite the flirtations of role model David Beckham with skirts, nail varnish and Alice bands, most men have hung on to their macho characteristics.


More than three-quarters of male Britons admit they subscribe to the old "treat 'em mean, keep 'em keen" adage in relationships with women, and one in three said they would be uncomfortable with a female boss.

The poll, conducted by the Observer and ICM, lays to rest the myth of the "new man" and claims that contrary to reports, men remain reluctant to discuss their emotions.

More than half, 54%, of British men believe they should be the main bread winner in their relationships and around one in five, 19%, told interviewers they never cry.

"The majority of British men also remain convinced that the best way to keep a woman is to treat her mean, with 79% believing that women are more attracted to men who sometimes treat them poorly," said a spokeswoman.

Despite their outdated attitudes, British men claim they have no problem in finding partners, with 86% adamant they have never used dating agencies or personal ads.

The survey also uncovered a worrying portrait of yob culture, with almost one third of UK men, 28%, admitting that they exceed therecommended weekly alcohol intake.

On average, British males said they drink around 20 units of alcohol per week, only one unit less than the suggested 21 unit limit.

Half of those aged between 16 and 24 also claimed to have had a fist fight in the past 12 months.

The survey found that 20% of men saw Sir Richard Branson as their ideal role model, while 16% looked up to Sir Winston Churchill and 14% David Beckham.