The Gender Gap Report Issue 2: What young people want in partners

What Young People Want in Partners: Gender Divides in Southeast Europe

Across Southeast Europe, the next generation is negotiating a complex mix of tradition, modernity, and personal expectations in their relationships. Young men and women show clear patterns of divergence in what they value in a partner. While women consistently prioritize education, economic stability, and broader social traits, men remain more focused on virginity — the only trait where they are more selective. These patterns are shaped not only by gender norms but also by cultural context, EU membership, and ongoing social transformations.

The latest installment of The Gender Gap Report, authored by Semir Dzebo and based on the Comparative Youth Study Southeast Europe surveying nearly 9,000 young people aged 14–29 across twelve countries, provides a unique opportunity to examine these dynamics. How do traditional expectations interact with modern freedoms? Which traits reveal deeper structural inequalities or social pressures? How do EU and non-EU countries differ in sexual values and norms?

This is the second issue in a ten-part series exploring the gender gap across multiple dimensions. In this analysis, Semir Dzebo dives into partnership expectations, revealing how differences in priorities between young men and women — from economic pragmatism to sexual norms — reflect broader social patterns. Understanding these gaps is crucial for grasping how gender, opportunity, and culture continue to shape relationships across Southeast Europe.