Young men in many countries have become noticeably more skeptical about the idea of gender equality. That conclusion was reached by researchers at the Ipsos Institute, who surveyed residents in 29 countries ahead of International Women’s Day. The results of the study were published by the German broadcaster WDR.
More than 23,000 people took part in the survey. The data show that members of Generation Z—those born between 1996 and 2009—are more likely to hold traditional views about the division of roles between men and women than members of the baby boomer generation, born between 1955 and 1964.
Some 61% of young respondents say enough progress has already been made on gender equality. Among baby boomers, 49% share that view.
More than half of young men—57%—also believe that the push for gender equality has gone too far and has resulted in discrimination against men. Among members of the older generation, 42% agree with that view.
The idea that a wife should always obey her husband was supported by 31% of young men. Among baby boomers, only 13% share that position.
Sociologists explain the differences in attitudes, among other factors, by the influence of social media, where antifeminist sentiment has grown noticeably stronger in recent years—including among some popular female bloggers.
Against this backdrop, the European Parliament has previously proposed restricting access to social media across EU countries for users under the age of 16.