Colman Noctor: Teen boys in a bind, caught between old and new views of masculinity

Young men today are navigating expectations very different from those of previous generations. They are encouraged to be empathetic and emotionally open, yet can be criticised for offering a seat to a woman, which was once considered polite or respectful

Emotional stranglehold: Louis Theroux’s documentary ‘Inside the Manosphere’ shows how young men are told traditional masculinity is bad, yet must also be defended. Picture: Netflix

Every generation hopes its children will inherit a fairer world, but there’s a growing divide between young men and young women in attitudes to gender roles, according to a recent study from King’s College London. Conducted with Ipsos across 30 countries, it suggests Generation Z may be confused.

A significant number of young men still hold traditional views, such as belief men should have the final say in relationships, or masculinity requires toughness and emotional restraint, the study shows.