Even it out

What is the biggest divide of our time? Many would say generation. Each week brings a heap of stories about the differences between old and young people.

Recently however, researchers have unearthed a new divide: the gulf between young men and women. It might become the defining gap of our time.

Boys and girls, of course, have always been divided. But young people's political views were rarely that different across gender. 

Some say this has now changed. The Economist analysed polls from 20 developed countries. It found that young women were much more likely to be liberalLiberalism is a school of political thought that stresses individual liberty. Liberals believe that society should not try to impose values or behaviours on individuals but should be tolerant of different lifestyles. A leading exponent of liberal thought was the 19th-century English philosopher John Stuart Mill, the author of the classic work On Liberty. than conservativeHolding traditional values, and in a political context, favouring policies such as private ownership. . Two decades ago there was no difference.¹

The reasons for the growing gulf are complex. One is education. At the end of British secondary schools, girls are almost 10 months ahead of boys in English.

Young women are charging ahead of men in universities too. As many as 46% of female students in the EUEuropean Union. An economic and political union of 27 countries. earn a degree, as opposed to just 35% of male students.

Work is another. Once most high-earning jobs were occupied by men.² Now that all genders are allowed to take most jobs, men have more competition.

These shifts have caused some men to resent women. Young men seem to be rejecting feminismCalling for women's rights with the aim of achieving gender equality. . In 27 European countries, men under 30 are more likely to believe that "advancing women's and girl's rights has gone too far" than men over 65.

Almost 80% of South Korean men in their 20s think men are discriminated against. The country's last election saw an anti-feminist candidate win power.³

Social media has fuelled this mindset. The Economist writes: "When homogeneousAll the same kind. groups of like-minded people discuss an issue, they tend to become more extreme."⁴ An annoyed man can grow into a furious misogynistA person or being who dislikes and is prejudiced against women.  online.

Not everyone agrees that the gulf is so clear. Political scientist Ruth Dassonneville studied 30 countries and found the trends different in each. She says: "I'm not quite sure we're really at a place where we can say there's been dramatic change."

Even if there is a divide, it could be mended. Primary schools could hire more male teachers, who can understand boys' needs. Some research says that boys intellectually mature a year later than girls - so many they should start a year later.⁵

Are boys being left behind?

Yes: It seems clear as day - young men and women are heading in different directions politically, educationally, socially and ideologically. And it is women who are trending upwards.

No: Men have hoarded power, money and status for centuries. Now women finally have the ability to achieve equal status. We are currently at a bumpy stage in this process. But it will level out.

Or... There is a lot of data that says yes. But this could be a temporary trend. And opinions and achievements could grow closer together as young people grow up. We need more to come to a conclusion.