Comparing young people’s beliefs and perceptions of gender equality across 28 different countries

Abstract

Abstract This chapter explores young people’s perceptions of and beliefs in gender equality across 28 countries and the relationship between these two phenomena. The findings show that while the levels of young people’s beliefs in gender equality follow patterns of economic development (GDP) and are associated with actual measures of gender equality (Gender Empowerment Measure), nevertheless, young peoples’ perceptions of gender inequalities are found to be independent of beliefs in gender equality, actual levels of gender equality, and economic development. Sweden is found to be the only country where more than 50% of young people combine beliefs in equality with perceptions of inequality. In our analysis, we also find that the willingness to engage in political action is stronger among those young people who believe in gender equality and at the same time perceive reality not to be in accordance with this ideal. These findings suggest that political action is premised on the combination of not only believing in gender equality but also perceiving gender inequality.