New Research Shows Gen Z and Gen Alpha Reject Hyper-Masculine Male Stereotypes
A new study out of UCLA has found what Gen Z and Gen Alpha females are looking for male representation, and it’s not what many people will expect.
Young Women Reject Outdated Male Stereotypes
The study, undertaken by the Center for Scholars & Storytellers (CSS) at UCLA, revealed that young audiences between the ages of 10 and 24 are roundly rejecting stale, stereotypical, and outdated portrayals of men as all-knowing, hyper-masculine figures. Instead, Gen Z and Gen Alpha women and girls expressed a desire to see “caring, affectionate dads and vulnerable men” depicted in films and TV shows. The most-requested traits in on-screen men were "fathers enjoying parenting" and "fathers showing love to kids.”
“Joyful fatherhood” was the single most requested attribute of masculinity that adolescents want to see on screen. Almost 60 percent of respondents expressed a desire to see more fathers openly showing affection and enjoying the role of parenting. Forty-six percent of respondents want to see content which depicts men asking for help for mental health and other tribulations.
Experts Warn of a 'Profound Cultural Shift'
“Our findings reveal a profound cultural shift: Youth are craving a version of masculinity defined by emotional availability and joyful connection,” said Yalda T. Uhls, founder and CEO of CSS, the study’s senior author and adjunct professor in UCLA’s psychology department. “By highlighting these narratives of partnership and care, storytellers can offer a vision of masculinity rooted in hope and love. For today’s young audiences, the most compelling hero isn't the one standing alone, but the one who has the courage to be present.”
While the study examined a younger demographic, the authors are quick to note that the results reflect a wide-reaching change in what women desire from men on and off screen. “It might be easy for someone making a teen or young adult show to say: This really only applies to younger kids,” said Matt Puretz, CSS senior researcher and co-author of the Teen Snapshot report. “But we see from ages 15 to 24, young people still prefer nurturing, emotionally available men, who serve as positive models of masculinity for them.”