Gen Z Men More Likely to Back Traditional Gender Roles at Home Survey Finds

A new international study has found that traditional views on family roles are widespread among young men. According to a survey conducted by Ipsos in partnership with King’s College London, 31% of Gen Z men (born between 1997 and 2012) believe a wife should always obey her husband, and 33% say the final say in important family decisions should belong to the man.

The study surveyed around 23,000 people across 29 countries, including the UK, the US, Brazil, Australia and India. The analysis suggests young men are more likely to hold traditional views on gender roles than older generations.

For example, among Baby Boomer men (born 1946–1964), only 13–17% agreed that men should make the key decisions in the family. Among Gen Z women, significantly fewer share these views — around 18% — and among Boomer women, just 6%.

The poll also found that 24% of Gen Z men think a woman shouldn’t look “too independent” or self-sufficient. Among older men, only about 12% support that view.

Differences also show up in attitudes to sexual norms. Twenty-one per cent of young men believe a “real woman” shouldn’t initiate sex, while only 7% of Boomers agree.

At the same time, the research highlighted contradictions in young men’s attitudes. Despite more traditional ideas about family roles, 41% of Gen Z men say women with successful careers are more attractive, compared with about 27% of Boomers.

Some responses also touched on expectations placed on men. For instance, 59% of Gen Z men say men are now expected to do “too much” to support gender equality. The same view is held by 45% of Boomers. Again, that’s higher than the share of women who agree (41% and 30% respectively).

In addition, 43% of Gen Z men agree that “young men should try to be physically strong, even if they are not naturally big”, and 21% believe men who are actively involved in childcare look less masculine.

Overall, however, most respondents still favour a more equal division of responsibilities. Only 17% think women should take on the main responsibility for childcare, and 16% say they should do most of the housework.