A march against violence against women and girls took place in London on January 18, 2025, highlighting an urgent social issue. New research has surfaced, indicating older generations, particularly baby boomers, may hold more progressive views on women's rights than their younger counterparts, particularly Gen Z. This troubling trend has emerged from a survey conducted across 29 countries, including the UK.
According to the findings, nearly one-third of Gen Z men believe that a wife should always obey her husband, while a similar proportion asserts that a husband should have the final say on significant decisions. These statistics, which reflect a 29-country average, point to an unsettling masculinity crisis among young men in the UK.
What is particularly shocking is that these views, reminiscent of attitudes from the 1970s, have been revealed in a recent survey by Ipsos and the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London. Even five decades ago, men expressing such beliefs faced ridicule and were seen as out of touch, especially as legislation aimed at promoting gender equality was being enacted.
It is disconcerting to discover that many men born between 1997 and 2012 hold views that seem outdated and inappropriate. The survey also indicates a significant contrast between the attitudes of Gen Z men and women. Only 18% of Gen Z women agree that women should obey their husbands, demonstrating a substantial disconnect between the sexes in this generation.
The survey reveals that baby boomer women generally share more liberal views on numerous issues, including sexual initiation and women's independence. This alignment suggests that women across different generations are more invested in gender equality than men. Many women, having endured centuries of restrictive gender roles, are keenly aware of the importance of equality.
Reflecting on the past, the baby boomers experienced a time of optimism, which fostered liberal social attitudes. However, younger generations may find it challenging to advocate for others' rights when they are preoccupied with economic burdens, job scarcity, and uncertain futures. The oldest members of Gen Z were only around 11 years old when the global financial crisis hit in 2008, leading to years of austerity. The introduction of tuition fees in England and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further complicated their circumstances.
These adverse economic conditions may drive some young men to cling to traditional masculinity, as suggested by the survey, where 43% of Gen Z men concur that young men should strive to be physically tough, regardless of their natural physique. This pressure to conform to rigid gender norms can lead to similar expectations of women, perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Moreover, the rise of online social interactions has created an environment where misogynistic figures thrive, further influencing young men's attitudes. The connection between societal attitudes and behavior is evident, particularly as violence against women continues to escalate alarmingly. The recent anniversary of Sarah Everard's tragic murder serves as a stark reminder of the systemic failures in policing and the broader societal issues at play.
Misogyny fuels such violence, and it is a pervasive force that cannot be ignored. While these reactionary attitudes may currently represent a minority among Gen Z men, they indicate a concerning trend. It is essential to continuously challenge these views and empower young women to confront damaging stereotypes.
Joan Smith, an author and journalist, emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues and fostering a dialogue that encourages equality and understanding across generations.
Source: the Guardian News