Breaking the Gender Divide in the Equality Debate: What About Men?
A growing gender divide reveals a shift in how men and women view equality, sparking new debates about the future of gender roles.
Has feminism done more harm than good? Have efforts to support women’s equality gone too far? New research finds that a consistent minority (around 16%) of younger men hold this view. By contrast, young women believe it will still be harder to be a woman in the UK in 20 years’ time.
As research finds this gender divide, what does it tell us about the gender equality narrative and the challenges we face, both in the workplace and at home?
Equality – is it all fiction?
A primary school teacher friend recently read a story to her class. A few paragraphs in, there was an audible sigh from the boys in the room. The story centred on a strong female protagonist, and whilst there was nothing wrong with the writing, the narrative’s premise did not land well. She says she will choose a different book next time.
In popular culture, it wasn’t until the late 90s that Disney gave the world a strong female character, empowered and independent enough not to sit around waiting for Prince Charming. Rapunzel and Elsa proved they could fearlessly control their own destinies. From there it was a spate of less traditional heroine roles – from Elastigirl, the Mum who juggled it all, to Moana who became ruler of her people and did not need a Prince or indeed any sidekick to accomplish it. The desire to infuse fictional storylines with a sprinkling of female equality aligned with shifts in the workplace and society at large.
What we may not have considered along the way is how men were reacting. Having waited decades for greater female freedom of choice and the slow removal of constraints, we may not have noticed.
Revealing new equality research
Today, it would seem we are in new territory. Recent research into equality and masculinity by King’s College and the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, in conjunction with Ipsos, reveals a clear gender divide on some issues, most noticeable amongst the youngest generations, with younger men especially feeling sidelined. It highlights a ‘new and unusual generational pattern’ that is in stark contrast to past equality debates.
Professor Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute at King’s College London, points to,
A real risk of fractious division among this coming generation of young, and the need to listen carefully to both. That includes much more work on understanding the challenges facing young men today, or we risk that void being filled by celebrities and influencers.’
Toxic masculinity and online influencers
The Ipsos survey targeted over 3700 people aged 16+ and delved into the impact of social media and online influence. Whilst it is important to note that 73% of respondents find the influencer Andrew Tate’s views on men and women offensive, 1 in 5 young men aged 16-29 have a favourable opinion of him. This is three times the number of women of the same age, reflecting a deeper gender divide in how young men and women view these issues. Furthermore, 30% of this 16-29 male cohort feel that Tate’s views on the threat to male identity are important.
As Professor Rosie Campbell, director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, puts it, ‘we are seeing a polarisation in the attitudes of young men and women towards gender equality… the fact that this group is the first to derive most of their information from social media is likely to be at least part of the explanation.’
Gender equality misperceptions
Whilst many characteristics of male and female behaviours are correctly noted in the survey, responses also reveal common gender misperceptions. The public are correct to note that there are more men in prison and that men are paid better than women in leadership positions, however large proportions hold incorrect views on other issues. 30% believe that suicide affects both men and women equally, when in fact according to the ONS, 115 people die of suicide in the UK every week – with 75% of those deaths being male. Other misperceptions where statistics were thought to be equal include, the gender divide in starting a business – actual figures: 15.1% men versus 10.7% women, and higher education: 57% women versus 43% men, where over 75% thought it applied equally.
On the issue of household responsibilities, it may raise a wry smile to read that the men surveyed were more than twice as likely to say housework and caring responsibilities are split equally, when evidence shows women do significantly more.
Learning from the equality research
Overall, the researchers are keen to point out that most people, including most men want equality, recognising the benefits to the whole of society.
However, as Gideon Skinner, head of political research at Ipsos remarks, ‘the lessons are that polarisation can increase if we don’t take steps to understand these divisions and do more to improve the prospects for young people’s lives.’
As women we have felt boxed in by outdated gender roles for decades, it seems clear however that we cannot ignore the strong current online that threatens to box men in to problematic and even toxic views, as we continue to discuss the equality agenda. True equality is good for the economy, brings greater innovation and diversity into workplaces (provided balance is achieved boardroom to backroom), leads to healthier relationships and better family dynamics, amongst other advantages. However, when a global study carried out in 31 countries by Ipsos for International Women’s Day shows that 47% of Britons say that giving women equal rights with men has gone far enough in Great Britain, we know that we should be worried about ‘equality fatigue’ and its consequences.
Countering equality fatigue
It must be time to refresh and reframe the equality narrative, not as a threat but as a benefit to everyone. Conversations can start earlier, education must be meaningful with more positive male role models, and perhaps a real drive to see more male teachers in schools and across community settings. What about healthy masculinity for men and an emphasis on solidarity, not the gender divide and polarisation of men and women?
What about Disney?
How about a powerful promotion of male and female Disney characters who model respectful relationships, who show strength, weakness and emotional intelligence? Or how about we appoint our own ultimate Disney management team:
Company Director: Mufasa (The Lion King) – Wise, capable leader with gravitas
CEO: Moana (Moana) -Strong, courageous, independent, open-minded leader
COO: Tiana (Princess & Frog) – Ambitious, driven, hardworking and resilient leader
CFO: Elsa (Frozen) – Controlled, responsible, meticulous manager of complex situations
Director of Operations: Woody (Toy Story) – Determined, Strategic and loyal leader
Head of Marketing: Genie (Aladdin) – High energy, creative, persuasive with big ideas
Head of HR: Judy Hopps (Zootopia) – Optimistic, smart and fearless in the face of adversity
Head of IT – Hero Hamada (Big Hero 6) – Innovative, forward-thinking, solution-driven
Head of Sales: Rapunzel (Tangled) – Resourceful, artistic and intellectually curious
Head of Customer Services: Elastigirl (The Incredibles) – Quick-witted and supportive
Back in the real world, as Kelly Beaver MBE, Chief Executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland, said, ‘Gender equality can only become a reality if both men and women buy into the advantages of re-imagining the workplace so that it becomes more family-friendly for all, not a competition between genders.’ The growing gender divide highlights the need for collaboration rather than division in this effort.
So, what about men?
The growing gender divide underscores the need for both men and women to collaborate in reimagining equality. By understanding each other’s challenges, we can build a more inclusive future where gender equality benefits everyone.
Sources:
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/nearly-half-of-britons-say-womens-equality-has-gone-far-enough