1 in 3 Gen Z Men believe Women Should ‘Obey’ Husbands

A survey has revealed that younger men hold more traditional views than older men, with nearly a third believing women should “obey” their husbands.

The survey was conducted by Ipsos and the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London.

According to the results, 31% of Gen Z men believe a wife should always obey her husband, while around 33% think the husband should have the final say in important marital decisions.

On the other hand, only 13% of Baby Boomer men (born between 1946 and 1964) agreed that wives should obey their husbands.

Researchers noted the contrast as particularly unexpected.

The data suggest that younger men are twice as likely as older men to support more traditional marital hierarchies.

The survey also found that nearly 24% of Gen Z men believe women should avoid appearing overly independent or self-sufficient. This compares with 12% of Baby Boomer men.

Differences extend into views on sexual behaviour.

Around 21% of Gen Z men believe a “real woman” should never initiate sex, compared with just 7% of Baby Boomers who share that view.

Attitudes toward gender equality responsibilities also show divergence.

About 59% of Gen Z men feel men are now expected to do too much to support gender equality, compared with 45% of Baby Boomer men.

Among women, 41% of Gen Z respondents expressed this concern, while 30% of Baby Boomer women did the same.

Professor Heejung Chung, director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and leader of the research, said:

“There were some encouraging signs that support for gender equality remained strong, such as in the agreement there should be more women in government.”

The study also explored views on masculinity and male behaviour.

Around 30% of Gen Z men felt that men should not say “I love you” to their friends, compared with 20% of Baby Boomer men and 21% of Gen Z women.

Similarly, 21% of Gen Z men believed that men who take an active role in childcare are less masculine. This compares with 8% of Baby Boomer men and 14% of Gen Z women.

Researchers suggest these views reflect rigid expectations of masculinity that may limit emotional expression.

Perceptions of gender roles in society also varied.

Both men and women believe women have greater freedom in dating and relationships at 22%, household responsibilities at 24%, and clothing choices at 34%.

Meanwhile, men are seen as having more freedom in hobbies at 18% and career choices at 39%.

In the UK, only 14% of people personally felt that women should take on most responsibility for childcare.

However, 43% said women are expected to be mostly or entirely responsible, indicating a gap between personal beliefs and perceived social expectations.