Young men leading more to the right?
Political Attitudes Among Young Men and Women Diverge Significantly, Reveals New Study
A recent study titled “The Youth Gender Gap in Support for the Far Right” (2025) conducted by researchers from Humboldt University Berlin – Ðorđe Milosav, Heike Klüver and others as Zachary Dickson, Sara B. Hobolt, Theresa Kuhn, and Toni Rodon – demonstrates a growing ideological divide between young men and women across Europe. The research highlights how this emerging political gender gap could shape the continent’s future.
Far-Right Parties Achieve Historic Support Among Youth
By analyzing data from the 2024 European Election Studies (EES), which comprise data of approximately 25,000 voters across all 27 EU member states, the research team uncovered an unprecedented trend: far-right parties are gaining historically high levels of support among young voters aged 16 to 29. This marks a significant shift, as progressive parties have traditionally dominated youth voting blocs in European elections.
Young Men Driving Far-Right Surge
The study’s most striking finding reveals a pronounced gender disparity in far-right support. Among young voters, 21% of men endorse right-wing parties compared to just 14% of women in the same age group. This 7-point gender gap stems from fundamental differences in political attitudes, with young European women consistently exhibiting more progressive social views than their male counterparts.
Generational Divide in Political Attitudes
Longitudinal analysis of European election data from 1989 to 2024 shows this gender gap is particularly acute among Millennials and Generation Z voters. While Baby Boomers show nearly identical political preferences across genders, younger generations display rapidly diverging political trajectories. Notably, the divide appears to widen faster within Generation Z as they age compared to previous generations.
Formative Years Shape Lifelong Voting Patterns
The research underscores the lasting impact of early political socialization. As lead researcher Ðorđe Milosav explains: “Young people are very impressionable during their early years, and the habits they form during that time tend to stick with them. They grow up influenced by family, friends, school, and social media, and these settings shape the way they think and behave. So, when a young person votes for the first time, that experience can set a habitual pattern for the future, often influencing how they vote in later elections.” This phenomenon makes the 16-29 age range particularly crucial for understanding long-term political trends.
Roots of the Political Gender Gap
The study identifies several factors contributing to this emerging divide. Educational attainment, attitudes toward gender equality, and positions on social issues all correlate strongly with political preferences. Young voters with higher education levels and progressive social views show markedly lower support for far-right parties. Conversely, those prioritizing economic concerns over climate policy and expressing authoritarian leanings demonstrate greater affinity for right-wing platforms.
Interestingly, while general attitudes toward migration show limited correlation with far-right voting, support for restrictive immigration policies does predict right-wing preference. The researchers emphasize that these differences reflect broader value systems and socioeconomic conditions rather than gender alone.
Beyond Protest Voting: The Significance of European Elections
The study engages with the concept of European Parliament elections as “second-order” contests, where voters often express dissatisfaction rather than make carefully considered choices. However, the researchers caution that these elections still hold substantial importance, as strong far-right performances can translate into increased support in subsequent national elections.
Broader Social Implications
The research team warns that this growing political polarization could have profound social consequences. As ideological differences harden, they may manifest in personal relationships, potentially affecting dating patterns, marriage stability, and even birth rates. The study suggests that without intervention, these trends could exacerbate existing social fractures.
Pathways Forward
Addressing this divide will require multifaceted approaches. The researchers highlight the need to tackle underlying socioeconomic inequalities while reexamining contemporary conceptions of masculinity. They also stress the importance of political education and civic engagement initiatives targeted at young voters.
Access the Complete Findings
The full study is available through the Humboldt Governance Lab, directed by Professor Heike Klüver. The lab specializes in translating academic research into actionable insights for policymakers and civil society.
Study Reference:
Milosav, Ð., Klüver, H., et al. (2025). The Youth Gender Gap in Support for the Far Right. Berlin: Humboldt Governance Lab.
Available at: Young, male, right-wing? Gender gap among young voters – HUMBOLDT-GOV.LAB
