Gen Z and the Secret Rollback: Why Young Men Are Suddenly Expecting Obedience from Women Again

You know the feeling, right? You're chilling at the kopitiam, finished your chicken rice, the iced lemon tea is hitting the spot – and then the conversation turns to the younger generation. Last time, we'd grumble about long hair or loud music. Now, it's more complicated. Way more complicated. Because just when we thought each new generation would naturally be more liberal, more tolerant, and more equal, it turns out: In some ways, Generation Z is thinking in shockingly conservative terms. Especially when it comes to the roles of men and women.

The Shock to Boomer Parents

A recent, widely-discussed study from the UK has confirmed it in black and white: Nearly a third of young men between 16 and 29 think a wife should obey her husband. Not in some conservative religious sect, not in a developing nation – but across the Causeway, in a country we often see as culturally progressive. I nearly spat out my coffee when I saw that number. My parents, classic boomers, were horrified. They were fighting for self-determination back in the 70s, and now their grandkids roll their eyes at the mention of equality? It really makes you wonder: Have we been looking in the wrong direction all this time?

Mama's Boys and the Prince Effect

Of course, you immediately wonder: How did it come to this? The answer might be closer than we think. I recently came across a comment by a British columnist that hit on a point I just can't shake. She said we mothers (and fathers) should finally stop treating our sons like little princes. No joke. If we teach boys from a young age that the world belongs to them, that they should be served, that they're the strong heroes and girls are the pretty princesses, then we shouldn't be surprised at the outcome. This Gen Z didn't just appear out of thin air. They're our kids. And a part of them – admittedly, a frighteningly large part – clearly got the message: The man is in charge.

Protests Here, Rollback There – The Contradictions of a Generation

Here's the confusing part: This same generation that holds these old-fashioned views is also the generation marching for climate action on Fridays. The Gen Z protests against the right wing, against racism, for queer rights – they haven't disappeared. Quite the opposite. But maybe that's exactly the point. We can't make the mistake of painting this whole generation with the same brush. There isn't just one Gen Z. There are young feminists fighting loudly for change – and there are young men who, in an uncertain world, long for clear structures. And that longing for order can unfortunately manifest in such crude ideas. The economic situation, the housing crunch, climate change – all of this breeds insecurity. And in that insecurity, some people, sadly, fall back on what seems tried and tested: the strong man, the obedient woman.

• The Conservative Core: About a third of young men wish for a return to traditional roles.
• The Progressive Vanguard: At the same time, Gen Z is the most diverse and loudest generation in climate and social protests.
• The Silent Majority: Most are probably just confused, trying to find their own way between TikTok trends and an uncertain future.

The 'Gen Z Stare' and the New Bible

You know that look? That Gen Z stare that twenty-somethings sometimes give you? Like you're a walking fossil who has no clue about the world. I used to put it down to youthful arrogance. Now I wonder: Maybe they're partly right. Maybe we really don't understand how they think. They have their own Gen Z Bible – except it's not bound in leather, but made up of a thousand TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, and Discord chats. Their rules, their morals, their understanding of respect – all of it is being completely redefined right now. We shouldn't ignore that ancient patterns sometimes resurface in this process. But we also shouldn't just demonise it. We need to understand it.

What Does This Mean for Singapore?

Here in Singapore, where traditional family values often still run deep, this development could be particularly interesting. Will Generation Z succeed in this rollback? Or will the loud protests of the other half ultimately set the tone? I'm curious to see. And I'm curious about the next conversation at the kopitiam. Because one thing's for sure: Life won't be boring with this generation. They're as contradictory and multi-layered as our times. And we should pay close attention – even if that Gen Z stare sometimes stings a little.