Men’s Threat Perception and Women’s Rights
Younger men, those under the age of 30, feel more threatened by the progress of women’s rights, according to a recent study of 32,500 people across 27 EU countries. The study found that younger men were more likely to agree with the statement “promoting women’s and girls’ rights has gone too far as it threatens the opportunities available for men and boys.”
Modern Sexism and Gender Equality
The study suggests that while gender equality has increased in Western democracies, there is a rise in “modern sexism” that is working against women’s rights. The report’s author, Gefjon Off, noted that younger men aged between 18 and 29 are the most likely to agree with the statement.
Lack of Understanding and Communication
The study suggests that people think greater gender equality only advantages women, rather than seeing the benefits for wider society. There is a need to communicate the benefits of gender equality, such as fathers getting to spend more time with their children and the burden of being the family’s breadwinner being lightened when mothers in families also advance in their careers.
Unemployment and Economic Insecurity
The study suggests that rising levels of unemployment may provide an explanation for why younger men are more likely to be sexist. In regions where unemployment has risen the most in recent years, there is a widespread distrust of social institutions. Slovakia was found to be the EU country where the highest proportion of young men are opposed to advances in women’s rights.
Trust in Social Institutions
In areas where there is a widespread distrust of social institutions, such as in Slovakia, young men are more likely to be opposed to advances in women’s rights. In contrast, in areas where there is greater trust in social institutions, such as in Northern Italy, young men are less opposed to women’s rights progressing.
Gender Inequality in the UK
In the UK, gender inequality persists, with women heading only five percent of the top 350 companies. Women make up less than a third of the top jobs in the UK, according to a recent report by the Fawcett Society. Women of color are underrepresented at the highest levels in a vast range of sectors. Women are wholly absent from senior roles such as Supreme Court justices, FTSE 100 chief executives, metro mayors, and police and crime commissioners.
Conclusion
The study highlights the need to address the perception that women’s rights threaten men’s opportunities. It is essential to communicate the benefits of gender equality and address the underlying economic insecurity and lack of trust in social institutions that may contribute to younger men’s opposition to women’s rights.
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