DIY skills 'are on the decline'

Posted on 19th Jan 2011 @ 4:10 PM

The modern man is more interested in understanding the latest technological developments rather than learning skills such as how to install solid flooring, new research has suggested.

According to a study by AA Home Emergency Response, being competent with computers is a better demonstration of masculinity than being able to pick up a saw and install hardwood flooring.

The authors of the research said that 71 per cent of men picked up DIY skills from their fathers in the 1970s, while that figure dropped to 67 per cent in the 1990s and to just 44 per cent today.

Tom Stringer, AA spokesman, said that the situation is only likely to get worse if people are not learning these abilities in the traditional manner.

"When we look at skills and knowledge, the 21st-century man is keener to show his manliness through his ability to grasp technology than a power tool," he added.

Sue Beeson, spokeswoman for AA Rescue, made a similar point recently, stating that DIY skills could disappear in the next 20 years or so.
 

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