Are Irish Gen Z Women and Men Drifting Apart Politically?

What’s up, EqualityWorx fam?, There’s a new line of division running through Gen Z, and it’s not just about class, race, or geography. According to Channel 4’s “Gen Z: Trends, Truth and Trust” report, gender is emerging as one of the sharpest splits in the politics and values of young people in the UK. As Channel 4’s content and culture stream seamlessly into Irish homes via Sky and digital platforms, it’s time to ask: is Ireland seeing the same split – and what does it mean for the future of equality here?

Gender: The New Political Divide

For years, the story of Gen Z has been one of diversity and progress. But the Channel 4 study reveals a more complex reality: young women and men are moving further apart, not just in their experiences but in their worldviews. While Gen Z men in the UK still lean more liberal than conservative, young women are becoming significantly more progressive, especially on issues like immigration, racial justice, and gender equality.

The numbers are striking: only 36% of UK men aged 16–29 agree that “feminism has done more good than harm,” and nearly half believe efforts to promote women’s equality have gone so far that men are now being discriminated against. Even more telling, 44% of Gen Z men agree that “when it comes to giving women equal rights, things have gone far enough,” and 47% say “masculinity is under attack.”

This isn’t just about opinions – it’s about identity and belonging. The study notes that a substantial minority of young men feel threatened by female equality, and many are drawn to online influencers who champion “traditional” masculinity, discipline, and self-improvement. While some of these messages are about resilience, others blur the line between motivation and backlash against progress.

Echoes in Ireland: Are We Next?

Ireland’s cultural and media landscape is deeply intertwined with the UK’s. The same social media feeds, viral debates, and TV moments shape what Irish Gen Z sees and hears. In Irish schools, universities, and group chats, young people are grappling with similar questions: What does equality really mean? Is feminism still relevant? And who gets to define what’s “fair” in a rapidly changing society?

Anecdotally, the signs are already here. Irish Gen Z women are leading conversations on consent, reproductive rights, and racial justice. Meanwhile, some young men express confusion or frustration about their place in a world that feels like it’s changing too fast. The result? More heated debates, more polarised group chats, and sometimes, more silence between the genders.

What’s different in Ireland is the added layer of second-gen and multicultural experience. For many, questions of gender equality intersect with cultural traditions and family expectations. Navigating these overlapping identities can be both empowering and exhausting, especially when mainstream debates don’t reflect the full complexity of Irish life.

Why This Divide Matters

This growing gender divergence isn’t just a UK story. For Ireland, it raises urgent questions about the future of equality, representation, and social cohesion. If young men and women are drifting apart in their values and priorities, how will that shape our workplaces, our politics, and our communities? Will it lead to more empathy and dialogue – or more division and mistrust? For second-gen and multicultural youth, the stakes are even higher. Navigating questions of identity, belonging, and equality can be doubly complex when you’re balancing family expectations, cultural heritage, and the pressures of modern Irish life. These young people are often at the forefront of change, challenging stereotypes, championing new voices, and insisting that equality must mean equality for everyone.

What’s Driving the Divide?

The Channel 4 report points to several forces behind this split:

• Economic Uncertainty & Delayed Adulthood: Gen Z faces rising costs, job insecurity, and delayed milestones like homeownership and starting a family. These pressures fuel anxiety and a sense of unfairness, which can make identity politics even more charged.

• Media Fragmentation: Gen Z gets its news from a “magpie” mix of sources – social media, influencers, friends, and mainstream outlets. This creates echo chambers where gendered narratives can flourish unchecked.

• Online Influencers: Figures who promote “traditional” masculinity or critique feminism have a growing audience among young men, even those who identify as liberal or moderate. The need for relatable, constructive male role models is clear.

• Changing Gender Roles: As women outpace men in education and employment, some young men feel left behind or uncertain about their place in society. This can lead to resentment or withdrawal, rather than engagement.

The Irish Context: Unique Challenges, Unique Opportunities

Ireland’s path to gender equality has been rapid and, at times, turbulent. From the marriage equality referendum to the repeal of the Eighth Amendment, young people – especially young women – have been at the forefront of change. Yet, as progress accelerates, some young men feel left out or unsure of their role in this new landscape. Second-gen and multicultural Irish youth face additional challenges. They may be navigating conflicting expectations around gender from home, school, and wider society. For some, the pressure to “fit in” can clash with deeply held family or cultural values. For others, the experience of being both “inside” and “outside” Irish culture gives them a unique perspective on what true equality could look like.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The Channel 4 study is a wake-up call for Ireland. We need more honest conversations about gender, power, and progress – especially among Gen Z. That means listening to each other’s experiences, challenging our own biases, and refusing to let social media algorithms or imported culture wars define who we are. It also means creating spaces where second-gen and diverse Irish youth can speak for themselves, not just be spoken about. Their stories, struggles, and successes are essential to building a more equal and united Ireland. The challenge now is to turn division into dialogue. Irish Gen Z has the chance to show that difference doesn’t have to mean distance – and that progress is possible when everyone has a seat at the table.

Your Voice, Your Future