Afraid of Losing Power? Study Says Many Gen-Z Men Still Want Traditional Roles

New Delhi: Gen-Z is often considered the most progressive generation. It is believed that this generation supports the issue of equality between men and women the most. But the results of an international survey have sparked a new debate on this notion. According to the study, many men of the younger generation still have traditional thinking regarding relationships, marriage and masculinity.

This research was done jointly by Ipsos and the Global Institute for Women Leadership of King's College London. This report has been prepared on the basis of conversations with about 23 thousand people from 29 countries. A special effort was made to understand how the new generation views gender equality and roles in relationships.

What thoughts emerged regarding the role of wife and husband?

About 31 percent of the Gen-Z men surveyed believe that the wife should obey her husband in marriage. Not only this, 33 percent of the youth also said that the husband should have the final say in important decisions related to the family. Interestingly, there was a clear difference in the opinions of men and women on this issue. Only 18 percent of Gen-Z women agreed with the idea that a wife should always obey her husband.

What is the attitude towards working women?

The report also revealed that many young men view women who are successful in their careers positively. About 41 percent of Gen-Z men said they find women who are successful in their work more attractive. This figure is higher than that of the older generation, i.e., Baby Boomer men, of whom 27 percent said this. This indicates that the new generation is accepting working women, but the thinking regarding relationships and decisions is still not completely modern.

What opinions emerged on women's freedom?

The report also revealed interesting figures regarding women's freedom. About 24 percent of Gen-Z men believe that women should not appear too independent or self-reliant. Whereas among baby boomer men this figure was 12 percent. This idea received very little support among women. About 15 percent of Gen-G women and about 9 percent of Baby Boomer women agreed with this sentiment.

What are your thoughts regarding masculinity?

The survey also asked how Gen-Z men view masculinity. About 43 percent of youth believe that men should try to be physically strong, even if it is not their natural nature. Apart from this, about 30 percent said that men should not say emotional words like “I love you” to their male friends. This indicates that many young men are still not comfortable with emotional expression.

Is there different thinking on parenting too?

Questions related to child care were also asked in the report. About 21 percent of Gen-Z men believe that men who are more involved in childcare are considered less manly. This figure was 8 percent among baby boomer men. Experts say that this survey shows that despite talking about online equality, thinking in many cases still remains traditional.