Experts warn of 'loss of privileges' and far-right 'appeal' behind anti-feminism beliefs in young men

Several surveys have shown disagreement from young men on feminism policies, unlike their female counterparts. Almost half of those aged 25 years old or younger do not believe that women's rights promote a more fair and democratic society, and nearly six out of ten say that feminism has gone "too far."

Experts told the Catalan News Agency (ACN) in the week leading to March 8, International Women's Day, one of the main reasons behind these beliefs. They consider that anti-feminism wave is mainly led by the feeling of "loss of privileges," as well as an interesting speech promoted by far-right movements and political parties.

The feminist speech has been "adopted by lawmakers," Núria Matamoros, secretary of Catalonia's National Youngsters Council, told ACN. She believes it is a way of "rebelling against the status quo and strengthening their identity."

A shared message by policy expert Xènia Roca, who believes these new changes can "scare" young men.

"If you are at an endangered position, this could lead to a radicalization," Roca said. Meanwhile, the Youngster's Council considers young men "scared of losing their privileges, which, unfortunately, men have historically had in our society."

All male youngsters' opinions are similar to what surveys have recently shown. Around one out of three people believe that the feminist movement "has gone too far," reaching 54% among men aged between 16 and 24 years old, according to a survey published by the Catalan government's agency CEO.

Filling the Sink

Women in the tech field are few and far between. Catalonia is one of Europe’s tech hubs, and 2024 was a record-breaking year with over 2,285 emerging companies, according to data from ACCIÓ, the Catalan Agency for Business Competitiveness. 

But despite this apparent success, women co-founding and leading tech startups still only made up less than 20% in 2022.

One of the UN's 17 goals for sustainable development is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. To coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8, we dedicate an episode of Filling the Sink to female entrepreneurs, particularly those in traditionally male-dominated fields such as technology.

Press play below to listen to our Filling the Sink podcast on tech tales or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Spotify.