Young Canadian Men Show Growing Skepticism Toward Gender Equality, New Survey Finds

A new international survey has revealed that young men in Canada are increasingly expressing the view that gender equality has already gone far enough, with many also holding more traditional beliefs about gender roles compared to the broader population.

The findings come from polling conducted by Ipsos in partnership with the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London. The survey examined attitudes toward gender equality across 29 countries, including Canada, the United States, Britain, India, Brazil, Japan and South Africa.

According to the Canadian data, 57 per cent of men under the age of 35 believe Canada has already done enough to ensure equal rights for women. This figure is significantly higher than the 40 per cent recorded among the Canadian population as a whole.

The survey also revealed that traditional views about household decision-making remain relatively common among younger men. About one in four men under 35 agreed with the statement that a husband should have the final say on important decisions within the home. Additionally, more than half 54 per cent believe that the push for gender equality has reached a point where it discriminates against men.

These responses were notably higher than those recorded across the wider Canadian population.

Humberto Carolo, chief executive officer of White Ribbon Canada, an organization focused on promoting healthy relationships and preventing gender-based violence, said the findings are troubling but not entirely unexpected.

He suggested that many young men are increasingly encountering misogynistic or outdated ideas about gender through online spaces, including social media platforms and gaming communities. According to Carolo, these digital environments can expose boys and young men to narratives that reinforce traditional gender roles and hostility toward gender equality.

The study forms part of a broader global survey exploring attitudes toward gender equality. Despite the concerning trends among younger men, Canada overall ranked among the countries with some of the most positive attitudes toward gender equality.

Across several questions including whether equality has gone far enough or whether men are being unfairly treated Canadians generally showed more progressive attitudes than the average of the 29 countries surveyed.

Still, the results highlight a generational divide. Compared to older Canadians, younger groups particularly men showed more skepticism toward gender equality initiatives.

The poll also identified a noticeable gap between the views of young men and young women. Among Canadians under 35, 61 per cent of men said achieving gender equality is personally important to them, compared with 77 per cent of women in the same age group.

Similarly, 68 per cent of young women said that increasing the number of female leaders in business and government is necessary for achieving equality, while only 37 per cent of young men agreed.

Significant differences were also seen in perceptions of discrimination. While 54 per cent of young men felt gender equality efforts may be discriminating against men, only 27 per cent of young women shared that view. Half of young men also said men are being asked to do too much to support gender equality, compared with just 25 per cent of young women.

Rob Whitley, a psychiatry professor at McGill University, believes the results may also reflect broader social challenges facing young men today.

He pointed to issues such as loneliness, lack of social support and difficulties with communication skills among younger men. Whitley said that many men feel their struggles are overlooked, which can drive them toward online communities that promise answers to their frustrations.

He emphasized that addressing these concerns is essential to improving social attitudes.

Experts involved in the discussion say solutions must include both early education about healthy relationships and stronger support systems for young men.

Carolo stressed that conversations about gender equality and respectful relationships should begin earlier in childhood, before young people encounter harmful narratives online.

At the same time, Whitley argued that society must also provide young men with positive avenues to earn respect and purpose, such as volunteering, coaching sports, or taking leadership roles in their communities.

Both experts agree that achieving gender equality should not be viewed as a competition between men and women, but rather as a shared goal that benefits society as a whole.