Millennials and Gender in an Era of Growing Inequality

Abstract

In this paper, we identify and discuss several important themes surrounding gender among millennials in the context of growing inequality covering various topics from college classrooms to cross-national settings. Findings of our paper suggest that we need to understand social contexts and challenges faced by millennials. For example, millennials, both men and women alike, are affected by a rise in socioeconomic inequality and show pessimistic attitudes about the future. In addition, millennials hold more progressive gender beliefs than previous generations, but the cultural belief about individual responsibility still remains and works as one of the reasons for persistent gender inequality. Most importantly, in spite of the diversity in topics, research methods, and study context, all research included in this paper indicates the importance of viewing the issue of gender inequality in a broad social context through a structural lens and an intersectional perspective. We conclude with suggestions for the future.