Gen Z Has a Big Gender Gap in Views on Feminism

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.