The Journal of Psychology, Evolution and Gender published a paper in 2002 which researched conflict in evening and social events in the UK, finding that factors contributing to masculinity and violence included the following factors:

• The perceived aim of the night out (‘to have a laff’) and different ways this was achieved;

• The appraisal of other men;

• Provoking situations;

• The sequence leading up to aggressive verbal exchanges and to fights;

• The role of alcohol;

• The importance of physical aggression in gaining status;

• The importance attached to responding to a challenge or insult by men and women

• Age differences;

• And ‘banter’ and story-telling among all-male groups.