Gefjon Off and Elena Avramovska present findings from studies involving Gen Z focus groups. One of their insights suggests the much-discussed “crisis of young men” is often an expression of the uncertainty felt by a whole generation that is facing multiple crises, is anxious about the future, and profoundly insecure. In this situation, young men in particular are more likely to turn to traditional family models, imagining these will provide guidance, which shifts their perspective on feminism, equality and their view of democracy. This becomes less ideological, more pragmatic, and is shaped by the question of whether democracy actually delivers in daily life. Off and Avramovska argue generational insecurity must be taken seriously, with more emphasis needed on mental health, overcoming zero-sum narratives, and responding to everyday problems with concrete policies. -fw

Katrin Rulle

Lina Gálvez Muñoz underlines that despite all the progress that has been achieved, women still suffer from structural disadvantages—for example, in the labour market, in terms of income, poverty, and care work. On top of that come gender-based biases, while power, particularly economic power, remains predominantly in the hands of men. At the same time, she sees a different perception, with growing talk of “inversed discrimination.” In response, Gálvez Muñoz takes a clear feminist stance, saying gender justice and economic justice are not competing but enforcing each other, and arguing that feminism is a democratic project of equality and liberation. -fw

Katrin Rulle

‘Harder to be a man, harder to be a woman? Gender, Politics, and the Negotiation of Equality among Generation Z’ is the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung’s first event at the Global Progressive Mobilisation Summit and focuses on how young people experience gender roles, equality, and the process of political negotiation today. Panelists include:

• Lina Gálvez Muñoz, Member of the European Parliament (S&D Group)
• Philipp Türmer, Chair of the Jusos
• Gefjon Off from the University of Hamburg
• Elena Avramovska from FES Democracy of the Future
• Irja Vaateri, Secretary General of the Young European Socialists.

Matteo Dressler from FEPS is moderating the discussion. The panelists are looking into Generation Z, political debates on equality, and current tensions concerning gender roles. -fw

Katrin Rulle