Gen Z Gender Voting Divide Widens Across Democracies

A significant political gender divide among Gen Z voters is emerging globally, with young women generally supporting left-leaning parties and young men shifting toward right-wing parties. In South Korea, this divide is pronounced, as young women plan to punish the conservative party in the June 3 presidential election, while many young men back the right-wing Reform Party, driven by issues like mandatory military service for men and perceptions of feminism disadvantaging them. This trend is mirrored in other democracies such as Canada, Germany, and Western nations, where men gravitate toward conservative or populist parties emphasizing nationalist and anti-feminist rhetoric, while women favor progressive parties advocating equality and social protections. Polling in Canada reflects a similar pattern, with women increasingly supporting the Liberal Party and men leaning toward the Conservatives, highlighting a growing gender gap influenced by social and cultural realignments. Experts warn that this divide complicates consensus on key societal reforms and calls for addressing underlying issues such as economic pressures and young men's mental health. These dynamics signal a reshaping of political landscapes through gendered voting behavior and identity politics.