A new international study is challenging assumptions about younger generations and gender equality—revealing that many Gen Z men hold more traditional views about relationships and gender roles than older generations.
According to a recent survey reported by The Guardian, nearly one in three Gen Z males believes a wife should obey her husband, and many also think men should have the final say in important household decisions. The findings come from a global poll of more than 23,000 people across 29 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil and India.
The results surprised some researchers because younger generations are often assumed to be the most progressive on social issues.
Instead, the survey found that Gen Z men are roughly twice as likely as baby boomer men to agree that wives should obey their husbands. About 33% of Gen Z males supported that idea, compared with just 13% of men in the older generation.
Generational differences also appeared in other attitudes about relationships and gender expectations. Nearly a quarter of Gen Z men surveyed said women should avoid appearing too independent or self-sufficient—double the share among baby boomers.
Views about intimacy also differed sharply by age group. Around 21% of Gen Z men said a “real woman” should never initiate sex, compared with just 7% of baby boomer men, according to the survey.
At the same time, some responses showed a complicated mix of traditional and modern views. While many Gen Z men expressed more conservative beliefs about gender roles, they were also the group most likely to say women with successful careers are attractive partners.
Researchers say the findings highlight a growing tension in how young people think about gender and equality.
Professor Heejung Chung, who led the research at the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London, told The Guardian that shifting social and economic pressures may be shaping the attitudes of young men. Some may feel uncertain about their role in a rapidly changing society, particularly as traditional expectations around work, income and family life evolve.
Economic pressures could also play a role. In earlier generations, men often defined success through stable jobs, home ownership and financial security—milestones that are increasingly difficult for younger adults to achieve.
When those traditional markers become harder to reach, some researchers believe young men may turn toward more traditional views of gender roles as a way to maintain a sense of identity or stability.
Still, the study also found strong support for gender equality in several areas. Many respondents across age groups agreed that women should have greater representation in government and leadership positions.
Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who chairs the institute behind the research, said the findings show that restrictive gender expectations can affect both men and women.
She warned that framing gender equality as a “zero-sum game”—where gains for women are seen as losses for men—can reinforce outdated stereotypes for everyone.
Ultimately, researchers say the study reveals a complex reality: while many young people support equality in theory, debates about gender roles and identity remain far from settled.
