Young Singaporeans More Divided on Gender Roles, Younger Men More Accepting of Spousal Violence: Study

Younger men in Singapore are increasingly divided on gender roles and more accepting of spousal violence than their older counterparts, according to preliminary findings from a study by SG Her Empowerment (SHE).

The Gender Norms Perceptions Study, which surveyed 2,087 Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 15 and above, revealed the widest gender gap in views on traditional gender roles among Gen Z. In contrast, older generations like baby boomers showed more similar perspectives.

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We wanted to understand how these beliefs shaped the way people relate to one another in local society. Many recent cases highlighted the importance of having informed, evidence-based conversations about gender norms in Singapore.

Researchers also found a concerning trend: Gen Z and millennial men were more likely to agree with or be neutral about spousal violence compared to older men. While about 80 percent of all respondents disagreed that spousal violence is ever acceptable, 30 percent of younger men indicated agreement or neutrality, versus 20 percent of older men. Female respondents across all age groups showed more consistent disapproval.

Natalie Chia, SHE’s director of research, suggested that younger men's greater access to sexual content, particularly material depicting coercion and violence, might influence these perceptions. The study aims to provide evidence-based insights into Singaporeans' attitudes toward gender norms to inform future policy discussions, with a full report anticipated in early 2027.

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Younger Singaporeans grew up with more access to sexual content than those in previous generations, especially content with depictions of coercion and violence.