Young Belgian men are noticeably more conservative towards gender roles and gender identity than women of the same generation. This is evident from a study by sociologists from KU Leuven who surveyed more than 4,000 Belgians at the end of 2025 about gender norms and equality between men and women. The results appeared in May in the magazine Samenleving en Politiek (SamPol).
Luka Geets
Journalist at HLN
Source: Belga
The gender gap is especially large among Generation Z (15 to 29 years old). Six in ten young men agree with the statement that there are “only two genders”, compared to 38 percent of young women. In addition, 38 percent of Gen Z men believe that women are “too quick” to invoke discrimination when they lose to men in fair competition. One in five young men also believe that women exaggerate problems in the workplace.
According to the researchers, led by Prof. Cecil Meeusen, the attitudes of men in particular are shifting. “The gender gap is largest there, not because women suddenly become much more progressive, but mainly because Gen Z men are relatively more conservative than their predecessors,” the authors write.
Manosphere
The study points to several possible explanations, such as economic insecurity, changing social roles and a possible “gender backlash” against increasing gender equality. According to the researchers, social media also play an important role. Online subcultures from the so-called manosphere are said to reinforce traditional and misogynistic ideas. According to them, young people who search online for fitness or gaming content are relatively quickly exposed to misogynistic or strongly traditional messages about masculinity.
The researchers do point out that caution remains necessary when interpreting the figures. Previous Belgian election surveys show that young adults historically tended to have more conservative views on traditional gender roles than older generations. Further research must therefore reveal whether this is a generational effect or an age-related phenomenon.
According to the authors, ideas that used to circulate mainly in online niche communities are becoming increasingly normalized in the public debate. They also warn of an increase in “victim blaming”, where women themselves are held responsible for sexism, intimidation or feelings of insecurity. According to the researchers, such views can lead to more polarization between men and women and, in extreme cases, contribute to radicalization.
Women are not the only victims
In addition, the researchers emphasize that this evolution does not only have consequences for women. According to them, men can also become stuck in rigid gender roles, in which they are expected to always be strong, successful and emotionally undisturbed. This can lead to extra pressure, uncertainty and mental problems.
At the same time, the authors emphasize the importance of relationship and sexuality education at school, so that young people receive reliable information about relationships, sexuality and gender and become less dependent on social media, where misinformation and extreme ideas spread quickly.
“This research shows that we must remain vigilant,” says Flemish Minister of Equal Opportunities Caroline Gennez. “Equality between women and men is not an achievement that will last on its own. Young people today are growing up in an online environment where sexist stereotypes, hate and misinformation spread quickly. Social media and certain influencers often reinforce harmful ideas about masculinity, femininity and relationships. This has consequences for how young people view respect, equality and coexistence.”
She points out that Flanders invests in various organizations and projects that work on gender equality, resilience and combating online hatred and sexism.
