Gen Z men and boys have more traditional views regarding gender roles compared to previous generations.
Modern.az reports that, according to "The Guardian" publication, based on an international survey involving 23,000 people, almost one-third of Gen Z men and boys believe that a woman should obey her husband.
33 percent of Gen Z men participating in the survey stated that the final say in important family decisions should be made by the man. The study covered 29 countries, including the United Kingdom, the USA, Brazil, Australia, and India.
According to the information, Gen Z men (born between 1997–2012) are twice as likely to hold traditional views on decision-making in marriage than “baby boomer” (1946–1964) men. Thus, only 13 percent of men in the older generation agree with the idea that a woman should always obey her husband. Among women, this figure is 18 percent for Gen Z and 6 percent for “baby boomers”.
The survey showed that the countries where both men and women most agree with this view are Indonesia (66 percent) and Malaysia (60 percent). In the USA, this figure is 23 percent, and in the United Kingdom, it is 13 percent.
The annual study conducted among individuals aged 16 and above was carried out by Ipsos and the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London and revealed significant differences between generations regarding gender roles.
According to the study, approximately one-quarter (24 percent) of Gen Z men believe that women should not appear too independent. This figure is 12 percent among “baby boomer” men.
Sharp differences are also observed regarding sexual norms. 21 percent of Gen Z men think that a “real woman” should never initiate sexual relations herself. However, only 7 percent of “baby boomer” men agree with this view.
59 percent of Gen Z men believe that men are forced to do too much to ensure gender equality. Among “baby boomer” men, this figure is 45 percent. Among women, it is 41 percent and 30 percent, respectively.
Nevertheless, Gen Z men are also distinguished as a group that considers women with successful careers more attractive. 41 percent of them agreed with this view in the survey.
Professor Hijun Chong, Director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership and head of the study, stated that there are also positive signals indicating continued support for gender equality. For example, there is widespread agreement on the importance of greater representation of women in government.
However, comparative data shows that views on some issues are shifting towards a more traditional direction. Thus, while 42 percent of people worldwide thought in 2019 that women's rights had already developed sufficiently, this figure has now risen to 52 percent.
Professor Chong noted that behind this shift lies the fear of men losing their social positions and dissatisfaction. According to him, this void is being filled with views directed against gender equality, women, and migrants.
The survey results also show that Gen Z men have more traditional expectations regarding their behavior and choices. For example, 30 percent of them believe that men should not say “I love you” to their friends. This figure is 20 percent among “baby boomer” men and 21 percent among Gen Z women.
At the same time, 21 percent of Gen Z men think that men who care for children are considered less “manly” than those who do not. Among “baby boomer” men, this figure is 8 percent, and among Gen Z women, it is 14 percent.
In the survey, both men and women believe that women have more choices in dating and relationships (22 percent), domestic roles (24 percent), and clothing choices (34 percent). Men, on the other hand, are thought to have more opportunities in hobbies (18 percent) and career choices (39 percent).
Julia Gillard, head of the Global Institute and former Prime Minister of Australia, stated that these results are concerning. According to her, Gen Z men not only impose restrictions on women, but also restrict themselves within rigid gender norms.
Professor Chong added that economic factors may also play a role in this process. According to him, in previous generations, men could more easily fulfill the role of “provider for the family” through financial means. Today, however, these opportunities are more limited for many young men, and they are deprived of positive examples for an alternative male model.
