Dr. Alice Evans from Stanford University discusses why young men are turning away from egalitarianism. Topics include attitudes towards gender equality, impact of social media on prejudices, changes in dating norms, and societal influences on gender dynamics in Qatar, Indonesia, and South Korea.
Societal shifts in countries like South Korea and Indonesia highlight the impact of cultural and ideological factors on gender dynamics.
Deep dives
Understanding the Impact of Gender Egalitarianism on Political Views
Research by political scientists in the year 2000 showed that women globally were becoming more liberal in their political stances, particularly in small, democratic politics. This trend was especially pronounced among young women, indicating a shift towards the left. Recent discussions question whether a new gender gap is emerging, with young men potentially moving further towards conservative ideologies, as seen in certain political shifts like in Poland's Far Right Party garnering support from young men.
Exploring Sexism and Attitudes towards Gender Egalitarianism
There is a distinction between benevolent and hostile sexism, with examples like the belief that women are incompetent or that rights granted to women are harming men. Interviews with young men in various locations highlighted a sense of resentment towards gender equality progress, attributing it to issues like growing competition for top jobs and housing affordability challenges.
Fertility Decline and Social Dynamics in South Korea
South Korea's sharp decline in fertility rates, attributed to factors like status competition, cultural liberalism, and ideological differences between young men and women, has raised concerns about societal shifts. As women prioritize education and independence, societal norms around marriage and childbearing are evolving, impacting perceptions on gender roles and equality.
Influence of Salafist Ideologies on Gender Attitudes in Indonesia
Indonesia's cultural landscape has witnessed increasing adherence to conservative Salafist interpretations of Islam, leading to shifts in gender dynamics. The rise of strict gender roles and expectations, particularly among young women, illustrates the impact of religious ideologies on societal perceptions and behaviors.
Strategies to Address Gender Attitudes and Societal Influences
Addressing the divergent attitudes towards gender egalitarianism requires mitigating status competition through measures like affordable housing, promoting empathy through in-person interactions, and regulating algorithms that may perpetuate skewed views. Encouraging personal connections, reducing reliance on smartphones, and fostering understanding among individuals can contribute to building more inclusive and empathetic societies.
Are young men becoming radicalized? Could they be further to the right than even their fathers and grandfathers? These are big questions that have yet to be answered definitively, but in some countries, electoral results and polls suggest that a meaningful contingent of young men are frustrated and may be finding a home in radical spaces.
Host Jerusalem Demsas talks to Dr. Alice Evans, a researcher at Stanford University who has been traveling the world, diving into qualitative and quantitative research to uncover why some societies are more equal than others. Her insights help tease out why some young men may be turning against the tide of egalitarianism.
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