The Gender Divide in Academic Achievement and Ideology Among Gen Z
For Jessica Grosland, a high school guidance counselor in Utah, the contrasting paths of two siblings demonstrate a common scenario. Despite sharing the same parents, resources, and neighborhoods, their aspirations and outlooks differ sharply.
“The sister sits up straight, organized, and has plans for her future, while the brother slumps in his chair, disengaged and hiding under his hoodie,” Grosland notes.
Academic Disparities
Within the high school where Grosland works, the average GPA for female students stands at 3.3, while males average 3.0. Notably, girls are nearly three times more likely to graduate with a perfect 4.0 GPA. This achievement gap is not unique to Utah; it is reflected in national trends and in fact, across developed countries. Consequently, 58 percent of American college students in 2024 are expected to be female, marking a discrepancy that has progressively widened since its inception in the 1970s.
Emerging Ideology Gap
The divide goes beyond academics. A growing ideological rift is emerging between Gen Z’s young men and women. Recent research reveals that in the past decade, female members of Generation Z have leaned further left politically compared to their male counterparts. This divergence in political beliefs, life ambitions, and prospects could pose challenges for future relationships and marriage.
“Gen Z is fragmented into two distinct generations,” explains data analyst John Burn-Murdoch from the Financial Times. “There is now a pronounced ideological gap between young men and women who coexist in the same communities, schools, and workplaces.”
Feminism and Identity
One significant illustration of this divide is the perception of feminism. A recent survey by the American Enterprise Institute found that only 43 percent of young men identify as “feminists,” juxtaposed with 61 percent of young women. In contrast, during the millennial era, the gender gap in feminist identification was much narrower, with just a slight difference in support.
Causes of Divergence
Experts attribute the growing divergence in political leanings to a combination of sociological changes and specific political shocks that have shaped the beliefs of Gen Z. Additionally, there are gender-specific differences in how young people perceive social and political threats.
“Gen Z is characterized by a significant lack of trust in various institutions, including organized religion, the government, and the media,” remarks Deckman, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute.
The Impact of Major Sociopolitical Events
Key historical movements, particularly the #MeToo movement, have influenced young women’s perspectives more profoundly than those of men. Launched in 2016, #MeToo highlighted widespread issues of sexual harassment and assault, resonating globally and reshaping gender politics across continents.
Deckman notes that the reverberations of this movement have altered women’s viewpoints significantly, particularly in countries like South Korea, where it coincided with anti-dating movements among younger women.
Political Engagement and Distrust
Protests against gun violence, sparked in the aftermath of school shootings since 2018, alongside issues highlighted by the Black Lives Matter movement, have further mobilized young women towards activism. Simultaneously, they have remained cognizant of central issues such as abortion rights and the impact of controversial political figures like Donald Trump.
Trump has become a polarizing figure in women’s political identity. Political science professor Steven Greene explains how many women view his persona as a threat to their societal gains.
“The 18-year-old son in one household may gravitate toward conservative ideals while his sister finds empowerment in social justice movements,” Greene observes, noting the complexities of familial political dynamics.
Young Men’s Political Skepticism
Conversely, young men express skepticism toward the political landscape around them. Evan Greene, an 18-year-old college student, articulates frustration with how the Democratic Party focuses on gender issues rather than economic factors, highlighting a sense of alienation among young men.
This sentiment is widespread among young men from various backgrounds, especially among those who feel marginalized or are struggling in today’s economy. “Young men, especially from working-class backgrounds, often face significant societal hurdles,” Deckman argues.
The Educational Gap
The education system reflects this growing rift, as young men show diminished interest in college compared to their female peers. Richard Reeves, a scholar at the Brookings Institution, points out that skepticism surrounding the value of higher education is more pronounced among men.
This trend has broader implications: men and women may wind up with different educational achievements and financial prospects, resulting in increasingly divergent life paths.
Addressing Gender Inequities
As society grapples with these issues, there is a growing call to find a balance in discussions about gender that does not alienate young men. Steven Greene observes that both extremes in political ideology can find common ground, particularly in their shared frustrations about economic stability.
Looking Ahead
Analysts expect these ideological gaps to persist as Gen Z matures. Young women appear more engaged with issues of social justice and equality, while young men’s focus seems oriented toward maintaining status and economic opportunity.
For the first time, initiatives addressing male-specific challenges are gaining attention, such as the American Institute for Boys and Men, which aims to tackle pressing issues like mental health, education, and family dynamics in today’s society.
This newly-found focus comes amid a growing acknowledgment that the challenges young men face need to be addressed in a way that also fosters an atmosphere of equality and mutual respect among all genders. As these discussions evolve, the future of gender dynamics in the political landscape will continue to unfold.
