The Return to Traditional Masculinity: Why Gen Z Men Value Dominance More Than Boomers
A startling statistic is reshaping our understanding of generational values: Gen Z males are three times more likely than Baby Boomers to prioritize “dominance” as a key trait in men. This isn’t simply a matter of differing opinions; it’s a potential societal shift with ramifications for relationships, workplace dynamics, and even the future of gender roles. While older generations increasingly value caring and emotional intelligence, a significant portion of young men are looking back to more traditionally “masculine” ideals – and the reasons are complex.
The Generational Divide: Beyond Testosterone
The GWI report highlights a clear divergence. While 71% of male Baby Boomers believe “caring” is an essential quality for men, only 43% of Gen Z males agree – the lowest percentage of any generation surveyed. This isn’t solely a biological phenomenon, despite relationship expert Dr. Wendy Walsh’s observation that declining testosterone levels in older men correlate with increased gentleness. “Thank goodness! Men over 60 are the sweetest gentlest men,” she told Newsweek. But Walsh also points to deeper societal factors at play.
Baby Boomers, many now fathers and grandfathers, have often “slayed their dragons” and are now focused on nurturing relationships. Gen Z, however, is navigating a vastly different landscape. They’ve grown up with dating apps, algorithmic matchmaking, and the pervasive influence of social media – a world where traditional markers of success and identity are increasingly fluid.
The Rise of the “Manosphere” and the Search for Identity
The increasing popularity of figures like Andrew Tate, who promote a hyper-masculine “alpha male” persona, cannot be ignored. While controversial, these content creators tap into a sense of insecurity and a perceived loss of “place” in society felt by some young men. As women continue to make strides in education and economics, some Gen Z males may be attempting to reassert their masculinity through dominance, rather than embracing a more evolved definition of strength.
This isn’t about rejecting caring or empathy altogether. The GWI data also shows that Gen Z men still value strength – 52% cite it as a key trait, compared to 51% of Millennials, 46% of Gen X, and 44% of Boomers. However, the emphasis on dominance suggests a desire for control and a reaction to changing power dynamics.
What Women Want: A Disconnect in Values
The generational gap extends to what men and women value in each other. While men across all generations prioritize “caring,” “gentle,” and “nurturing” in women, women overwhelmingly value “confidence” and “independence” in their partners. The top qualities women seek in men – caring, confident, and empathetic – differ significantly from the traits men prioritize in themselves.
This disconnect is particularly pronounced with Gen Z males, who place a greater emphasis on traditional, “tough” traits. As Chris Beer, data journalist at GWI, notes, “The data reveals an important shift in mindsets, and in some cases a reversal, in how different generations view gender roles.”
The Dating App Dilemma: A Symptom of the Problem?
The shifting views on masculinity may also contribute to the notoriously high churn rate of dating apps. An AppsFlyer survey found that 65% of dating apps are deleted within a month, with 90% uninstalled within a week. Is this frustration a result of mismatched expectations, a lack of genuine connection, or a growing disillusionment with the superficiality of online dating?
The Future of Masculinity: Navigating Uncertainty
Hallie Kritsas, a licensed mental health counselor, believes this trend reflects a deeper uncertainty. “It may seem surprising…that male Gen Z individuals are leaning into more traditional traits…However, this reflects deeper uncertainty. We are in a world of shifting roles, and so many younger men are searching for identity and control.” The lack of strong, healthy masculine role models may be driving some young men to revert to “outdated ideas.”
The challenge lies in redefining masculinity for a new era – one that embraces both strength and vulnerability, dominance and empathy. The key isn’t to reject traditional traits entirely, but to integrate them with a more nuanced understanding of what it means to be a man in the 21st century. This requires open conversations, challenging harmful stereotypes, and fostering a culture that values emotional intelligence and healthy relationships.
Ultimately, the future of masculinity will depend on whether Gen Z men can reconcile their desire for control with the need for connection, and whether society can provide them with the support and guidance they need to navigate this complex landscape. What are your predictions for the evolution of masculinity in the coming years? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
