Thekabarnews.com—A big international survey with over 23,000 people from 29 countries has shown that there is a big difference between how different generations think about gender roles and relationships.

The Global Institute for Women’s Leadership did the research. Their results show that younger men, especially those in Gen Z, often have more traditional views about marriage and gender roles than older men.

The survey showed that men from Gen Z were twice as likely as baby boomers to agree with traditional roles for making decisions in marriage.

About 13 percent of older Baby Boomers agreed with the statement that a wife should always do what her husband says. This is very different from what younger people said.

Researchers say that the results show how social pressures, economic conditions, and ideas about what it means to be a man have changed over time.

Heejung Chung, who was in charge of the study, said that many young men might not know where they fit into today’s society.

“I think there are many complaints and fears about men losing their social status,” Chung said.

She said that in the past, men often showed their masculinity by taking on traditional roles like being the main breadwinner in a family.

“In the past, men could show their masculinity by being the breadwinner,” Chung stated.

But the global economy today has made it harder for many young men to get those jobs. This has contributed to their struggle in fulfilling traditional masculine roles associated with financial success. Consequently, the situation has led to a sense of disconnection from traditional masculine identities.

Financial success previously shaped these identities to a large extent, as it was often viewed as a primary measure of a man’s worth and societal standing.

“As those chances become harder to get, some young men may feel like they have lost traditional ways to find their identity and status,” she added.

Experts who study gender equality and social change have expressed concern about the findings.

Julia Gillard, now the head of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, found the results troubling.

Gillard says that strict ideas about gender roles can hold both males and females back.

“Many Gen Z men not only have unrealistic expectations of women, but they also limit themselves by following traditional gender roles,” she said.

Researchers say that the results indicate a greater need for discussions about masculinity, equality, and social norms.

People should not treat gender equality as a competition where one group wins at the expense of another.

Definitions of masculinity that are more open and adaptable can help make relationships and social settings healthier. For instance, these definitions foster communication. They reduce toxic behaviors and promote mutual respect among individuals of all genders.

“We must challenge the notion that gender equality is a one-sided competition. Everyone benefits from a more equal society,” Gillard stated.

Researchers say that as debates about gender roles continue to change around the world, it will be important to understand how different generations see things.

This understanding can inform strategies for promoting gender equality and fostering collaboration across age groups. Ultimately, this is necessary to make social change in the future.

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