Modern society is often described as steadily “moving forward,” yet gender-related tensions are becoming more visible—driven by economic insecurity and online radicalization that continue to widen social divisions. The ideological gap between young men and women reflects a clash in values, as egalitarian ideals embraced by many women increasingly collide with traditional hierarchies that still appeal to many men (Nennstiel & Hudde, 2025, 862). 

Recent polls and social research indicate that 53% of Gen Z women identify as feminist, compared with 32% of men (Chung, 2025). While many young women strongly support gender equality, some young men are increasingly drawn into online spaces that amplify resentment and reinforce opposition to these shifts. For instance, feminist and human rights groups in Turkey continue forming alliances to promote gender equality and challenge anti-gender ideology, highlighting ongoing civil society resistance (Istanbul, Turkey murders: Sketch found after teenage butcher kills two women, n.d.); however, critics—especially in male-dominated online forums—often see these changes as proof that power is being redistributed at men’s expense (Capelos et al., 2024, 36). In these communities, users often portray women’s “hypergamy” as a disruption of the natural order. Together, these dynamics reveal a growing ideological divide that complicates the narrative of steady social progress.

Despite clear progress in education and health, online subcultures shaped by male resentment, along with acts of gender-based violence, continue to persist and may even be growing stronger. For example, reports indicate that the suspect in the 2024 Istanbul double murder remained connected to online incel communities, illustrating how misogynistic ideologies circulating online can contribute to real-world violence. This continuing violence points to structural inequalities that still affect women’s lives. In many societies, women remain disproportionately at risk of job loss, domestic abuse, and sexual assault, harms that can be reinforced and intensified through online forums (Showalter, 2016). Violence against women remains a significant concern globally; in Turkey alone, at least 474 women were killed in 2019, marking a 200% increase since 2013 (Over 470 Women Killed in Turkey in 2019: Platform, 2020). 

The past few decades have brought meaningful advances in education, legal rights, and economic opportunities for women—but these gains have unfolded alongside widening ideological divides. Economic shifts, changing gender expectations, and the growth of online communities have all helped create a society in which strong support for egalitarianism exists at the same time as significant backlash and resentment, intensifying the modern ideological divide over gender. As Simone de Beauvoir warned, “Never forget that it will be enough for a political, economic, or religious crisis for the rights of women to be called into question.” Her warning remains relevant: progress toward equality is not guaranteed—it can stall or even reverse under pressure. The challenge now is not simply to achieve progress, but to make it resilient. Without sustained effort, today’s gains risk becoming tomorrow’s reversals. Ensuring that gender equality endures requires confronting both structural inequality and the growing ideological resistance that threatens it.

Acknowledgment

The Institute for Youth in Policy would like to acknowledge Michelle Young for editing this op-ed.

Works Cited

Capelos, T., Salmela, M., Talalakina, A., & Cotena, O. (2024, March 12). Ressentiment in the Manosphere: Conceptions of Morality and Avenues for Resistance in the Incel Hatred Pipeline. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 9(2), 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies9020036

Chung, H. (2025, March 5). Gen Z men and women most divided on gender equality, global study shows. King's College London. Retrieved March 21, 2026, from https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/gen-z-men-and-women-most-divided-on-gender-equality-global-study-shows

Nennstiel, R., & Hudde, A. (2025, June 13). Is there a growing gender divide among young adults in regard to ideological left–right self-placement? Evidence from 32 European countries. European Sociological Review, 41(6), 862-883. https://doi.org/10.1093/esr/jcaf021

Over 470 women killed in Turkey in 2019: Platform. (2020, January 9). Hurriyet Daily News. Retrieved April 3, 2026, from https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/over-470-women-killed-in-turkey-in-2019-platform-150770

Peters, D. (2024, October 8). Istanbul, Turkey murders: Sketch found after teenage butcher kills two women | news.com.au — Australia's leading news site for latest headlines. News.com.au. Retrieved March 21, 2026, from https://www.news.com.au/world/middle-east/disturbing-sketch-found-in-teen-killers-bedroom/news-story/adc09edc7088bfa77a8ba50c874a6166

Showalter, K. (2016). Women's employment and domestic violence: A review of the literature Author. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 31, 37-47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2016.06.017