The Paradox of Progress: Analyzing the Rise of Misogyny Among Gen Z Men

Despite the significant strides made toward gender equality over the past decade—highlighted by movements like #MeToo—recent data suggests a regressive trend. A comprehensive study conducted by Ipsos and the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London, published in March 2026, reveals a startling reality: Generation Z men are displaying higher levels of misogyny than their predecessors, the Baby Boomers.

Quantifying the Regression

The study, which surveyed 23,000 individuals across 29 countries, provides clear evidence that younger men are increasingly tethered to "traditional ideas about gender roles." The contrast between generations is stark:

• Domestic Hierarchy: Globally, 31% of Gen Z men believe a woman should "obey her husband," compared to only 13% of Baby Boomers. Furthermore, about one-third of Gen Z respondents argue that husbands should have the "final say in important decisions."
• Independence and Autonomy: Nearly 25% of Gen Z men believe women should not appear "too independent or self-sufficient," a figure twice as high as the rate among older generations.
• Intimacy and Expectations: Conservative views extend into personal relationships, with 21% of Gen Z men asserting that a "real woman should never take the initiative in a sexual relationship," compared to just 7% of older generations.

The Internalized Pressure of Masculinity

This shift is not solely directed outward toward women; it reflects a broader struggle with self-perception. The study highlights that Gen Z men are internalizing more rigid expectations for themselves. For instance, 30% of these young men believe a man "shouldn't tell his friends that he loves them," and 21% view a man who takes on "childcare responsibilities" as "less masculine" than his peers who do not.

Drivers of Resentment: A Fear of Lost Status

Professor Heejung Chung, Director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership, attributes this growing hostility to a "fear of losing their place in society." Several critical factors contribute to this "sense of grievance and anxiety":

1. Economic Disenfranchisement: Young men often feel ignored by political leaders and harbor resentment over diminishing opportunities, such as the difficulty of getting onto the "housing ladder."
2. Identity Crisis: When young men cannot fulfill the traditional "provider role," they experience a profound sense of loss. In this psychological vacuum, they lack "positive, diverse models of masculinity" to emulate.
3. Exploitative Narratives: Into this gap of uncertainty step various voices that actively "set young men against gender equality," fueling polarization against women and migrants alike.

Conclusion

The findings serve as a sobering reminder that societal progress is not linear. While Western countries have taken pride in becoming more "inclusive" and fostering equality, the rise of misogynistic attitudes among the youth suggests that the fight for gender equity is far from over. Addressing these trends requires understanding the underlying anxieties of a generation that feels left behind in a rapidly changing world.