Shocking Survey Exposes Regressive Gender Attitudes in Younger Generations
A comprehensive global study has uncovered disturbing trends among Generation Z men, revealing that nearly one-third hold anti-women views, including beliefs that wives should obey their husbands. Conducted by Ipsos and the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London, the research surveyed 23,000 individuals across 29 countries, including the UK and the US, and found that Gen Z men exhibit more regressive gender attitudes than Baby Boomers.
Key Findings Highlight a Troubling Shift
The data indicates that 33% of Gen Z men, defined as those born between 1997 and 2012, believe a husband should have the final say in important decisions. Additionally, 31% agree that a wife should always obey her husband, compared to just 13% of Baby Boomer men. This stark generational divide extends to other areas, with 24% of Gen Z men thinking women should not appear too independent or self-sufficient, and 21% stating that a 'real woman' should never initiate sex—a view shared by only 7% of boomer men.
Perhaps even more concerning, 59% of Gen Z men feel they are expected to do too much to support gender equality, suggesting a growing resentment towards feminist progress. These findings emerge against a backdrop of political movements, such as Reform's proposals to tax childless women and the refusal to classify misogyny as a hate crime, which experts argue exacerbate these attitudes.
Economic Hardship and Political Exploitation Fuel the Crisis
According to Professor Kathryn Higgins, a Goldsmiths expert in global digital politics and feminism, these 'deeply troubling' views are partly driven by universal economic struggles. 'Young people of all genders are suffering under an economic system that widens the gap between the rich and the rest, failing to provide real opportunities for stable employment and affordable housing,' she explains. This environment makes it challenging to discuss power and privilege with young men who feel disadvantaged, despite their inherent societal advantages.
Professor Higgins warns that politicians and online influencers, such as Andrew Tate endorsed by figures like Trump and Farage, are capitalizing on this dissatisfaction. 'These actors weaponize young men’s feelings of powerlessness, pulling them towards regressive ideologies that promise easier lives through female subordination,' she notes. This rhetoric pitches young men against gender equality, women, and migrants, creating a toxic cycle of resentment.
Women's Autonomy and the Response to Changing Dynamics
The study also reveals that Gen Z men are the most likely (41%) to find women with successful careers more attractive, highlighting a paradoxical mix of traditional and modern views. However, Professor Higgins points out that young women are increasingly demanding equality in relationships, leading some men to feel a loss of control. 'Young women now have autonomy, choosing to be single, become solo parents, or enter partnerships with other women, rather than settling for unequal relationships,' she says. This shift does not equate to women having power over men but signifies a move towards mutual respect and independence.
Professor Heejung Chung, director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, agrees, noting that many young men fear losing social positions, creating a vacuum filled by anti-equality rhetoric. The solution, according to experts, lies in addressing the economic and ecological violence affecting all young people and combating those who exploit male dissatisfaction.
Detailed Breakdown of Gender Attitudes Across Generations
- 31% of Gen Z men agree a wife should always obey her husband, versus 13% of Boomer men.
- 33% of Gen Z men say a husband should have the final word on important decisions.
- 24% of Gen Z men believe women shouldn’t appear too independent, compared to 12% of Boomer men.
- 21% of Gen Z men think a 'real woman' should never initiate sex, versus 7% of Boomer men.
- 59% of Gen Z men feel men are expected to do too much for equality, compared to 45% of Boomer men.
- 30% of Gen Z men believe men shouldn’t say 'I love you' to friends, versus 20% of Boomer men.
- 43% of Gen Z men agree young men should try to be physically tough, compared to 25% of Boomer men.
- 21% of Gen Z men view caregiving fathers as less masculine, versus 8% of Boomer men.
In nearly every metric, younger men displayed a stronger preference for outdated traditional gender roles, with Baby Boomers emerging as the most progressive generation. This trend underscores the urgent need for interventions to promote gender equality and counter regressive narratives in today's socio-political landscape.
