Generation Z: A Divided Generation on Gender Issues

New Survey Reveals Wide Gaps in Opinions on Feminism, Women’s Rights, and Gender Roles

A recent survey conducted by Ipsos UK and the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London has revealed that Gen Z women and men are more divided than any other generation on a range of topics related to gender. The survey, which polled 24,000 individuals across 30 countries, found significant disparities in opinions on feminism, women’s rights, and gender roles in society.

Feminism and Gender Roles

The survey found that 53% of Gen Z women define themselves as a feminist, while only 32% of Gen Z men do, a 21-percentage-point gap. In contrast, the gap between millennial women and men is 14 percentage points, and for Gen X, it is 8 percentage points.

Staying at Home to Care for Children

The survey also revealed that 19% of Gen Z women think that a man who stays at home to look after his children is "less of a man," while 28% of Gen Z men share this view. This 9-percentage-point gap is more than double the gap for millennials and Gen X when asked the same question.

Perception of Tension between Genders

Moreover, 59% of Gen Z respondents believe that there is a gap between men and women in their respective countries, compared to 54% of millennials, 47% of Gen X, and 40% of Baby Boomers.

Experts’ Insights

"This is often fueled by politicians and media who capitalize on a zero-sum game narrative – framing the advancement of women as the cause of broader societal grievances, such as the decline of well-paid, secure jobs," said Professor Heejung Chung, Director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London.

"It is essential to promote a growth mindset, reinforcing the idea that gender equality can benefit everyone," she added.

"The data underscores the urgent need for nuanced conversations and inclusive solutions that address the concerns of all genders, particularly when considered against the backdrop of recent elections in the U.S. and Germany, where young men were significantly more likely than young women to back right-wing political parties," said Kelly Beaver, Chief Executive of Ipsos in the UK and Ireland.

Conclusion

The survey’s findings suggest that Gen Z is a divided generation on gender issues, with significant gaps in opinions on feminism, women’s rights, and gender roles. To address these divides, it is essential to promote a growth mindset and inclusive solutions that benefit all genders, rather than pitting them against each other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the definition of Gen Z?
A: Gen Z is broadly defined as those born between 1997 and 2012.

Q: What is the gap in opinions on feminism between Gen Z women and men?
A: 21 percentage points, with 53% of Gen Z women defining themselves as a feminist, compared to 32% of Gen Z men.

Q: What is the gap in opinions on a man staying at home to care for children between Gen Z women and men?
A: 9 percentage points, with 19% of Gen Z women thinking that a man who stays at home is "less of a man," compared to 28% of Gen Z men.

Q: How many countries were surveyed in the study?
A: 30 countries.

What is the Algorithmic Gap?

In today’s digital age, algorithms play a significant role in making decisions in various aspects of our lives, including the workplace. However, these algorithms are often built on biased data, perpetuating inequities and creating a gap between those who have access to resources and those who do not. This phenomenon is known as the algorithmic gap.

The Origins of the Algorithmic Gap

The algorithmic gap is not a new phenomenon. It has its roots in the way data is collected and used in decision-making processes. Historically, data has been biased, and this bias is often perpetuated through the algorithms and systems designed to analyze and act upon that data.

Biased Data

Biased data is data that is skewed towards a particular perspective, often reflecting the biases and assumptions of the individuals collecting it. This can be due to various factors, such as the selection of data sources, the way data is collected, and the assumptions made about the data.

Algorithmic Systems

Algorithmic systems, including those used in hiring, credit scoring, and predictive policing, are designed to make decisions based on the data they are provided. However, these systems are only as good as the data they are given, and if that data is biased, the algorithmic system will perpetuate those biases.

Consequences of the Algorithmic Gap

The algorithmic gap has severe consequences for individuals and society as a whole. It can lead to:

Unequal Opportunities

When algorithms are used to make decisions, those who are already disadvantaged are often further marginalized. This can lead to unequal opportunities for advancement, promotions, and access to resources.

Systemic Inequity

The algorithmic gap can also perpetuate systemic inequity, where certain groups are consistently disadvantaged and marginalized. This can lead to a perpetuation of existing power imbalances and social injustices.

Addressing the Algorithmic Gap

Addressing the algorithmic gap requires a concerted effort to create more equitable data collection and analysis processes. This can be achieved by:

Diverse Data Sources

Using diverse data sources to ensure that a wide range of perspectives and experiences are represented.

Data Cleansing

Data cleansing processes can help to identify and remove biased data, ensuring that algorithms are not perpetuating existing biases.

Transparency and Accountability

Ensuring transparency and accountability in the development and use of algorithms can help to identify and address biases, as well as hold accountable those who create and use biased systems.

Conclusion

The algorithmic gap is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. It is essential to recognize the role that biased data and algorithms play in perpetuating inequity and to take steps to address this issue. By using diverse data sources, cleansing data, and ensuring transparency and accountability, we can create more equitable systems that benefit everyone, not just those with privilege.

FAQs

What is the algorithmic gap?

The algorithmic gap refers to the phenomenon where algorithms and systems perpetuate biases and inequities, often due to the use of biased data.

How does the algorithmic gap arise?

The algorithmic gap arises from the use of biased data, which is often collected and analyzed through flawed and biased systems.

How can we address the algorithmic gap?

We can address the algorithmic gap by using diverse data sources, cleansing data, and ensuring transparency and accountability in the development and use of algorithms.

Young and Ethnic Minority Women Targeted Online, Research Finds

Online Abuse Has a Severe Impact on the Everyday Life of Women

One such form of harassment that is a problem almost exclusively for women according to the study, is that of AI-generated deepfakes. “Such attacks can have a deep emotional and psychological impact,” the researchers said; “They can also be used to discredit, silence, and push women out of traditionally male-dominated spaces.” Indeed, when it came to the types of online abuse that have the most severe impact on the everyday life of women, including self-esteem, mental health, and financial wellbeing issues, the report was clear: AI deepfakes and revenge porn, as well as doxxing, topped the list.

Women of Color Affected Most by Online Abuse

The research confirmed that women from mixed ethnic backgrounds experienced the highest rates of online abuse at 37%, with Latina or Hispanic women also experiencing very high rates at 31%. Other ethnicities didn’t fare much better, with African American women on 27% and Asian or Pacific Islander women on 26%. While white women came in at the lowest abuse rate, 21%, that’s still more than 1 in 5 women experiencing online harassment and abuse.

Federal Law Does Not Properly Protect Women Online

“Survey respondents overwhelmingly expressed dissatisfaction with the level of protection U.S. laws are able to provide victims of online harassment,” the report stated; “Indeed, despite the growing prevalence of online abuse, the U.S. legal system has yet to fully address many of the threats women face in digital spaces.”

Gaps in Federal Legislation

• The lack of a federal data privacy law.
• No federal anti-doxxing law.
• Unclear legal status of AI deepfakes.

Conclusion

As digital spaces continue to evolve, ensuring that they remain safe and accessible for all users remains a complex, ongoing challenge. A big part of that challenge is a legal one, which is necessary if women are to feel protected online moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the extent of online abuse among women in the US?
A: The research found that 1 in 4 American women experience online abuse, with 1 in 8 indicating that they suffered from cybercrimes resulting from having personal data available online.

Q: What forms of online abuse affect women disproportionately?
A: Cyberbullying, sexual harassment, and trolling affect women disproportionately, with AI deepfakes, revenge porn, and doxxing being particularly severe forms of harassment.

Q: What are the gaps in federal legislation that leave women vulnerable online?
A: The lack of a federal data privacy law, no federal anti-doxxing law, and unclear legal status of AI deepfakes are the three gaps in federal legislation that leave women vulnerable online.