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Half of Generation Z men 'think feminism has gone too far', new report finds

New rules: stag dos have a hefty footprint: Getty Images
New rules: stag dos have a hefty footprint: Getty Images

Generation Z are often thought of as the "woke" generation, attacked by the likes of Piers Morgan as "snowflakes" for being obsessed with gender pronouns and political correctness.

But a new annual report into attitudes and expectations among the 16 to 24-year-old community, from equality charity HOPE not hate, suggests "Gen Z" is divided in its views and priorities -- and not necessarily as right-on as presumed.

The wide-ranging report, which ran in-depth surveys with over 2,000 young people, found that more than half of the young men surveyed believe "feminism has gone too far and makes it harder for men to succeed".

Nearly one in five (18 per cent) of those surveyed said that they held a "negative view of feminists", and 16 per cent admitted that they believed feminism had no role to play in society in 2020.

The report has a forward by Labour's Nadia Whittome, 23, the UK's youngest MP (UK Parliament)
The report has a forward by Labour's Nadia Whittome, 23, the UK's youngest MP (UK Parliament)

A total of 23 per cent of the young men polled said they disagreed with the statement that it is "more dangerous to be a woman than a man in society".

The report, which includes a forward from Britain's youngest MP, Labour's 23-year-old Nadia Whittome, makes a number recommendations, such as making tackling sexism and misogyny in schools and colleges a policy priority.

Leni Morris, Chief Executive of LGBT+ anti-violence charity, wrote in the report that it "provides a vital snapshot of the views of young people in the UK today", and that the charity was "disappointed" to see so many young men saying feminism has gone too far.

Women's rights activists responded with shock and sadness on social media.

Sophie Walker, a founder of the Women's Equality Party UK, wrote on the platform: "What a waste of young male energy. What an indictment of the politics of division. We can bake a bigger pie. Not fight over the crumbs."

She added: "This at a time when more mothers than fathers are losing jobs.

"Time and time again we are presented with a picture of feminism that destroys and harms an otherwise functioning system. But when half the population cannot thrive equally, everyone suffers. Equality for young women is the brighter future that young men need."

The report also found that 80 per cent of young women did not think politicians care what young people think.

It also highlighted a fear that the coronavirus pandemic has stolen young futures, with 55 per cent of under-25s of both genders saying that they felt the pandemic has limited their options for the future.

Some 51 per cent saying they believe it will cause long-term harm to their careers and financial situations.

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