According to a recent attitude survey conducted by Ipsos in collaboration with King’s Business School at King’s College London, nearly one in three men from Generation Z believes that women should always obey their husbands, and that men should have the final say in all major decisions. This discussion is particularly relevant as it coincides with International Women’s Day, emphasizing the stark generational differences in gender views. The survey, which included approximately 23,000 participants across 29 countries, demonstrates a worrying trend among younger men regarding traditional gender roles.

The survey results indicate that the attitudes of Gen Z men towards women are significantly more traditional compared to previous generations, including the Baby Boomers. This shift may reflect broader social changes and potentially a backlash against the advancements made in gender equality over the past decades. The findings suggest that young men in many parts of the world are retaining or even embracing archaic views on gender roles at a time when movements for women's rights and gender equality are gaining momentum globally.

This raises important questions about the future of gender relations and the activism surrounding gender equality. It challenges advocates to consider how to address and counteract these viewpoints, as they pose a significant barrier to progress. With International Women’s Day as a backdrop, the data prompts a necessary reflection on how society can effectively engage younger generations in conversations around equality and respect.