New study: EqualiZe

A growing narrative suggests that Generation Z is defined by a sharp political divide between young women and men. But how accurate is that claim? Our new study, EqualiZe: Gender Differences in Political Opinion and Voting Among Generation Z, takes a closer look across Europe, combining large-scale survey data with in-depth focus groups. The findings challenge simplified assumptions: while gender differences do exist, they are far from uniform and vary significantly across countries and issues. In many areas, especially voting behaviour, the divide is much less pronounced than public debate often suggests. 

Rather than a straightforward cultural clash, the research points to a generation shaped by shared structural pressures. Rising living costs, housing insecurity, labour market uncertainty, climate concerns and declining trust in institutions affect young people across the board. Within this context, young women and men often interpret these challenges differently—placing emphasis on different risks, priorities and lived experiences—while still sharing broad support for core principles of gender equality.

For policymakers and communicators, this has important implications. Overstating a “gender divide” risks obscuring common ground and misdiagnosing the drivers of political attitudes. A more effective approach focuses on addressing shared insecurities, while recognising differences in how issues are framed and experienced. By linking gender equality to economic security, opportunity and everyday life outcomes, the study outlines a forward-looking agenda to strengthen trust, expand opportunity and support democratic resilience across Europe.