Survey Says "Man Caves" Very Important

A survey conducted by Imre Communications reveals that 59 percent of men find it "very important" to have a "man cave" in their home, with one-half of those surveyed saying the reason for the man cave is to have one's own personal space. The survey included nearly 500 men from across the United States, ages 21-65 with annual incomes of at least $50,000.

Word Spy defines the "man cave" as an area of the house -- typically the basement or garage -- where a man can be alone with his power tools and building projects. Television shows and commercials reflect the trend of men desiring their "man cave", and the Imre survey found that 70 percent of men have or would choose to build their own man cave, while only four percent would want somebody else to do it for them.

The most important features in a man's "dream cave" include flat screen televisions (78 percent), computers (70 percent), tool benches (69 percent), surround sound systems (66 percent), and refrigerators (47 percent).

67 percent of surveyed men said they escape to their man caves to engage in their personal hobbies, while approximately 37 percent go there to watch movies and sports.

The old saying about husbands and wives is "familiarity breeds contempt". Most couples find they need time apart from each other. The great writer Rilke said that a marriage is a partnership entered into so that each person could be alone better, and be understood in their aloneness. In the typical marriage or intimate partnership, the male and the female have some widely differing individual interests.

The "man cave" popularity is a way for men asserting their need for personal space, which is typically seen as something the woman needs more. The rise of feminism and what some would call society's over-reaction to heavy handed patriarchal norms of the past have led to men's need for personal space being too often ignored. The "man cave" trend has arisen in that kind of culture.

According to the "man cave" themed show DIY Network, a man cave is a "sanctuary where boys can be boys, where life essentials include a wet bar, a poker table and a place to watch the game with the fellahs. And maybe even an indoor putting green!"

"Man caves are the ultimate male getaway. Whether the space is used for building and construction, or playing cards, man caves can be an extremely profitable line of business for residential builders and remodelers," said Shawn Draper, Vice President, Home & Building at Imre Communications.

Sources:
Imre Communications (PR Newswire), "Imre Communications Reveals Modern Trends of the Man Cave"
DIY Network website