Global Study Uncovers Gen Z Men's Traditional Stance on Gender Roles and Marriage
A comprehensive global study conducted for Women's History Month by King's College London has unveiled startling insights into the perspectives of Generation Z men regarding gender roles, marriage, and relationships. This research, which surveyed over 23,000 individuals across 29 countries, including Great Britain, the United States, Brazil, Australia, and India, indicates that Gen Z men, born between 1996 and 2012, exhibit more traditionally conservative views compared to older generations. The findings could shed light on the voting patterns of Gen Z men, who have shown a shift toward the right in recent elections.
Contrasting Views Across Generations
The study, carried out by Ipsos in collaboration with the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's Business School, reveals significant generational divides. Among Gen Z men, 31% believe that a wife should always obey her husband, and 33% assert that a husband should have the final say in major decisions. In stark contrast, only 13% of Baby Boomer men, born between 1945 and 1965, agree with the first statement, and 17% with the second. This disparity highlights a notable regression in attitudes toward gender equality among younger men.
Furthermore, Gen Z women also display more conservative leanings than their Boomer counterparts, with 18% agreeing that a woman should always obey her husband, compared to just 6% of Boomer women. This suggests that traditional norms persist across genders within the younger generation, albeit to a lesser extent among women.
Expanding Traditional Gender Norms
Beyond marriage, the study identifies broader adherence to traditional gender roles among Gen Z. Nearly a quarter of Gen Z men, or 24%, believe that women should not appear too independent or self-sufficient, a view shared by only 12% of Boomer men. Additionally, more than half of Gen Z men feel that men are expected to do too much to promote gender equality, compared to 45% of Boomer-aged men.
Other concerning statistics include 43% of Gen Z men agreeing that young men should strive to be physically tough, even if not naturally large, versus 32% of all respondents. Moreover, 21% of Gen Z men believe that active involvement in child care diminishes masculinity, a sentiment echoed by just 8% of Boomer men and 14% of Gen Z women.
Expert Concerns and Political Implications
Professor Heejung Chung, Director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership, expressed deep concern over the persistence of traditional gender norms. She noted, "It is deeply concerning to see traditional gender norms persisting today, and more troubling still that many people appear to be pressured by social expectations that do not actually reflect what most of us believe." Julia Gillard, Chair of the institute, added, "It is troubling to see that attitudes towards gender equality are not more positive, particularly among young men. Not only are many Gen Z men putting limiting expectations on women, they are also trapping themselves within restrictive gender norms."
The study's findings align with analyses of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which indicate a dramatic conservative shift among Gen Z voters. Research from Tufts University's Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement found that 63% of white men aged 18 to 29 supported Donald Trump, compared to 49% of white women in the same age group. Additionally, a majority of men in this demographic, regardless of college education, backed Trump, while 55% of women without a degree and 64% with a degree supported Kamala Harris.
This global study underscores the complex interplay between generational attitudes, gender roles, and political behavior, raising important questions about the future of gender equality and social norms.
