Shifting Attitudes Toward Gender Equality and Young Men

At the Reykjavík Global Forum in November 2025, discussions highlighted a concerning trend regarding gender equality and leadership perceptions. The Reykjavík Index for Leadership, which measures the suitability of women and men for leadership roles, indicates a significant decline in how women are viewed in leadership positions across major economies. The United States has notably fallen from the top three to sixth place, while the United Kingdom, despite starting high, has also experienced a major decline. France and Canada remain near the top, but their scores are also decreasing, and Germany has dropped to the bottom of the rankings.

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A notable aspect of the current landscape is the backlash against progressive values, particularly among young men. This generational split is alarming, with some young people embracing equality while others are moving in the opposite direction. Michelle Harrison, a key figure behind the Reykjavík Index, attributes this backlash to broader issues such as economic stagnation, lack of opportunity, and rising loneliness among youth. These factors contribute to a cultural vulnerability that allows alternative narratives about gender and power to gain traction, particularly online.

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Richard Reeves emphasizes the importance of making discussions about gender representation personal for young men. Instead of abstract concepts, he suggests framing questions around their personal relationships, such as whether their sisters should have equal opportunities. This approach can foster a sense of fairness and inclusion. Furthermore, he argues that discussions about gender representation should recognize the underrepresentation of men in certain fields, such as education and mental health, to avoid alienating young men from the conversation.

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Both Reeves and Harrison stress the need to understand the conditions young people face today. Economic insecurity and a lack of clear pathways to secure adulthood contribute to their shifting attitudes toward equality. Harrison urges readers to focus on the emotional and informational realities affecting young people's views on gender and power, highlighting the importance of nurturing both boys and girls in the narrative of progress.

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Reeves calls for empathy and understanding in the fight for gender equality, urging women to care about both women's representation and the challenges facing young men. He emphasizes that achieving a healthy, equal society requires collaboration rather than division. Harrison echoes this sentiment, reminding us that change is possible when both daughters and sons see themselves in the story of equality.

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• “When we see young people pulling away from equality, I think we should read that as a signal of distress before we read it as an ideological statement.” — Michelle Harrison, Founding Force of the Reykjavík Index for Leadership

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• “This leads to the third point, which I know is controversial: if we say we care about gender representation, we have to show that we care when it goes the other way too.” — Richard Reeves, Author and Researcher

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• “My ask is: Don’t let anger close the door on empathy.” — Richard Reeves, Author and Researcher

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• “We can do it again—this time with a clearer understanding that our daughters and our sons need to see themselves in the story of equality.” — Michelle Harrison, Founding Force of the Reykjavík Index for Leadership

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