Unga människors attityder till jämställdhet : En studie av Generation Z:s attityder till jämställdhet i Sverige

Sammanfattning

This thesis examines the contradiction between increased structural genderequality in Sweden and more traditional attitudes toward gender roles among Generation Z. Although Sweden is often described as one of Europe’s mostgender-equal countries, previous research indicates that Generation Z expresses more traditional views on gender roles. The aim is to develop a sociological understanding of how young women and men within Generation Z reason about gender roles and gender equality. The central research question is: Why does Sweden’s Generation Z express more traditional values regarding gender roles despite increased gender equality in society? The study uses a qualitative design based on semi-structured interviews with twelve participants from Generation Z and Baby Boomers. Baby Boomers are included to highlight generational differences and experiences of social change. The material was analysed through thematic analysis. The theoretical framework consists of cognitive dissonance and generational theory, used to interpret how traditional gender patterns are understood and maintained across generations. The findings show that Generation Z often understands gender equality as self-evident. Traditional gender patterns among Generation Z are often described as natural, voluntary or practical, making them less likely to be perceived as unequal. The thesis concludes that future anxiety, insecurity and a search for stability may make traditional life ideals appear attractive, not as a rejection of gender equality, but as a response to taken-for-granted equality and a desire for security.