Is there a growing gender divide among young adults in regard to ideological left–right self-placement? Evidence from 32 European countries

Abstract

Growing gender differences in political ideology among young people are a major concern because of their potential long-term societal implications. This study examines ideological shifts between young men and women in 32 European countries from 1990 to 2023, and how they are linked to societal levels of gender equality. Using data from several Eurobarometer surveys, we analyse the left–right self-placement of over 466,089 individuals aged 20–29. Using graphical analyses, regression models and age-period-cohort (APC) analyses, we find heterogeneity in the extent and development of ideological youth gender gaps. In 14 countries, the ideological positions of women and men are almost equal. In seven countries there is a modern youth gender gap in political ideology, with women being more left-wing than men. This has remained roughly stable since the 1990s. In 11 countries, a modern youth gender gap has emerged and/or widened over time. Finally, we find that modern youth gender gaps tend to be greater in countries with greater gender equality. The mainly small to moderate gender gaps—with important differences between countries—contradict the narrative of a strong and uniform shift towards a modern gender gap in political ideology among young adults.