In recent months, evidence has made the headlines of an increase in ideological differences between young men and women. Specifically, two patterns seem to be forming since 2018. On the one hand, young women seem to prefer progressive positions on the different ideological scales to a larger extent, both the liberal-conservative used in United States, and on the left-right divide more frequently used in Western Europe. In some countries this materializes in women shifting towards more leftist positions. In others, their preferences show considerable stability. On the other hand, young men seem to be developing a preference for right-wing positions to a larger extent. Amongst them, in the past five years, preferences do shift towards more rightist positions. Thus, the widening of the gap. Why is this gap in political ideology widening? 

We posit three plausible explanations for this increase in ideological differences that are unique to young individuals. The first explanation is linked to the fact that the implementation of feminist policies promoting gender equality has led to a backlash among young men, expressed as a feeling of distance and mistrust towards the parties promoting such policies. Young men, feeling alienated by the feminism promoted by the leftist coalition government, embrace rightist positions that are openly hostile to gender equality. Second, the pandemic and the restrictions put in place have generated amongst young men a feeling of insecurity and mistrust of public institutions. Thirdly, social media has not only fragmented the public discussion, but also created new windows of opportunity for some messages to reach out to young people. Through platforms like Youtube or TikTok young boys are choosing the contents they consume without parental filters, which leads to radical positions reaching out to audiences that would otherwise be out of reach. Using original survey data from the GENPOL project, we intend to test these explanations and explore the drivers of these feelings of distance and distrust that young men are experiencing towards feminism and policies promoting gender equality.