The issue of gender divide in political views, especially among young voters, has become increasingly apparent in recent years. With a majority of women believing that Trump does not respect women, while a significant percentage of men hold the opposite view, there seems to be a growing polarization between genders in terms of political beliefs. Factors such as changes in the left driving young men away from the Democratic Party, the educational differences between men and women, and the extreme positions taken by both the left and right on gender issues, are contributing to this divide.
Richard Reeves, author of “Of Boys and Men,” argues that the current culture-war politics have led to a perception among young men that feminism is now more about attacking men than promoting gender equality. This sentiment has been intensified by movements like #MeToo, which have empowered women to speak out against sexual assault and harassment, yet has left many young men feeling marginalized and misunderstood. As a result, more young men are adopting a zero-sum view of gender equality, believing that women’s gains come at the expense of men.
According to Daniel A. Cox of the American Enterprise Institute, recent polls have shown a significant divergence in political views between young men and women. Women in Gen Z have become increasingly liberal over the past decade, while young men have not seen a similar shift. This discrepancy suggests that there is more at play than just demographic changes, potentially indicating a significant societal shift. The influence of events like the #MeToo movement has been profound for young women, shaping their political development, while leaving many young men feeling like society is turning against them.
The perception among young men that feminism is attacking them rather than promoting equality is reflected in recent surveys that show a growing number of men viewing feminism negatively. This sentiment is more pronounced among Democratic men under 50, with a large percentage believing that feminism has done more harm than good. As more young men adopt a zero-sum outlook on gender equality, the fear of losing out to women in societal power dynamics becomes increasingly prevalent.
The war within Gen Z, as Cox describes it, highlights the widening gap between the political views of young men and women. While women have been influenced by movements like #MeToo, which have empowered them to speak out against harassment and discrimination, men feel increasingly marginalized. This disparity in perceptions has led to a growing divide in political beliefs, with young men feeling that society is punishing them simply for being men. As gender issues continue to shape political discourse, the divide between young men and women on these issues is likely to persist unless efforts are made to bridge the gap and foster understanding between the two genders.
