Young men tend to hold more traditional views on gender roles than older generations, according to a new survey released on International Women's Day.
The survey, jointly conducted by the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London and pollster Ipsos, found that 31% of Gen Z men agreed with the statement "wives should always obey their husbands."
Additionally, 33% of Gen Z men agreed that "husbands should have the final say when making important decisions in marriage."
The survey polled 23,000 adults across 29 countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Brazil, Australia, and India from December 24, 2024 to January 9, 2025.
Younger men more likely to support traditional gender roles
The results revealed stark generational differences.
Gen Z men were nearly twice as likely as baby boomer men to support traditional gender roles in marital decision-making.
Among baby boomer men, only 13% agreed that "wives should always obey their husbands," while 17% agreed that "husbands should have the final say" in important marriage decisions.
In contrast, Gen Z men showed agreement rates of 31% and 33% for the same statements respectively.
"Young men tend to hold more traditional views on gender roles than previous generations," the researchers noted.
Gender gaps emerge across generations
Differences also emerged between male and female respondents.
Among Gen Z women, 18% agreed that "wives should always obey their husbands," compared to just 6% of baby boomer women.
When asked whether "women should not appear too independent or self-reliant," only 12% of baby boomer men agreed, compared to 24% of Gen Z men—double the rate.
Among women, 15% of Gen Z and 9% of baby boomers agreed with the statement.
Generational gaps also appeared in views on sexual norms.
When presented with the statement "a real woman should not initiate sex," 21% of Gen Z men agreed, compared to just 7% of baby boomer men. Among women, 12% of Gen Z and 7% of baby boomers agreed.
Additionally, 59% of Gen Z men agreed that "men are being asked to do too much in the name of equality," compared to 45% of baby boomer men.
Traditional views coexist with positive attitudes toward women's success
Despite significant support for traditional gender roles, respondents also expressed positive views toward women's professional achievements.
Among Gen Z men, 41% agreed that "women with successful careers are more attractive to men," compared to an average of 27% among baby boomer men and women.
"It is concerning that traditional gender role norms persist today," said Heejung Chung, director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London.
"Many people appear to feel pressured by social expectations that differ from their actual personal beliefs," she added. "This gap is particularly pronounced among Gen Z men."
