A striking global survey has uncovered that Generation Z men hold significantly more traditional views on gender roles compared to older generations, particularly baby boomers. The research, conducted by Ipsos and the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London, involved 23,000 participants across 29 countries, including Great Britain, the United States, Brazil, Australia, and India.
Traditional Beliefs on Marriage and Decision-Making
According to the findings, almost a third of Gen Z men, those born between 1997 and 2012, believe that a wife should always obey her husband. This contrasts sharply with just 13% of baby boomer men, born from 1946 to 1964, who share this view. Additionally, 33% of Gen Z men stated that a husband should have the final say on important decisions within a marriage, highlighting a generational divide in attitudes toward marital authority.
Global Variations and Gender Comparisons
The survey revealed notable differences across nations. In Indonesia, 66% of people agreed with the statement that wives should obey husbands, followed by 60% in Malaysia. In contrast, only 23% in the United States and 13% in Great Britain held this belief. Among women, 18% of Gen Z and 6% of baby boomers agreed, indicating that traditional views are more prevalent among younger men globally.
Attitudes Toward Independence and Masculinity
Beyond marriage, the research exposed deeper traditional expectations among Gen Z men. Nearly a quarter (24%) think women should not appear too independent or self-sufficient, compared to 12% of baby boomer men. Furthermore, 21% of Gen Z men believe that men who participate in caregiving for children are less masculine, a view held by only 8% of baby boomer men and 14% of Gen Z women.
Sexual Norms and Equality Perceptions
Attitudes toward sexual behavior also varied significantly. Twenty-one percent of Gen Z men think a "real woman" should never initiate sex, whereas only 7% of baby boomer men agree. On equality, 59% of Gen Z men feel that men are expected to do too much to support gender equality, compared to 45% of baby boomer men. For women, these figures were 41% and 30%, respectively.
Contradictions and Economic Factors
Despite holding traditional views, Gen Z men were the most likely to believe that women with successful careers are more attractive to men, with 41% agreeing. Professor Heejung Chung, director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership, suggested economic factors might influence these attitudes. She noted that young men today face fewer opportunities to "perform masculinity" through traditional roles like breadwinning, leading to grievances and a backlash against gender equality.
Impact on Personal and Societal Expectations
The survey highlighted a gap between personal beliefs and perceived societal norms. In Britain, only 14% of people personally feel women should take on most childcare responsibility, but 43% believe society expects this. Julia Gillard, chair of the institute and former Australian prime minister, expressed concern, stating that Gen Z men are not only limiting women but also trapping themselves in restrictive gender norms.
Overall, the data suggests a troubling trend toward more traditional gender views among young men, with implications for relationships and societal progress. The findings underscore the need for continued efforts to promote diverse and positive notions of masculinity and gender equality worldwide.
