Lorraine Williamson
An increasing number of Spaniards believe the fight for gender equality has gone too far and are concerned about discrimination against men. A recent survey by research agency Ipsos reveals that while Spain still leads Europe in the number of self-identified feminists (51%), this figure has dropped by four points in the past year.
Additionally, 60% of men and 43% of women believe men are now being discriminated against due to gender equality progress.
Growing polarisation around gender equality
The survey, conducted across thirty countries, included 1,000 Spaniards. The results indicate increasing polarisation around feminism and gender equality. This shift is partly fuelled by far-right political movements and online communities where men see themselves as victims.
Ipsos’ report was published ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, an important date in Spain. Known as 8M since 2018, this day unites many people in the fight for gender equality. However, the survey shows Spain is at a crossroads. Many still identify as feminists, yet an increasing number believe the movement has gone too far.
Despite declining figures, Spain remains the European country with the highest number of self-identified feminists. However, differences exist based on gender, age, and political views. Among women, 58% identify as feminists, compared to 44% of men. Younger people (16-25 years) show greater support for feminism (56%) than baby boomers (50%, aged 55-75). Politically, left-wing voters are more likely to identify as feminists than right-wing voters.
Is discrimination against men increasing in Spain?
A majority (52%) of Spaniards believe gender equality has gone too far, with men now facing discrimination. This belief is particularly strong among men (60%) but also significant among women (43%). Far-right groups and online platforms often present feminism as a movement that oppresses men.
Age and political beliefs play a key role. Millennials (26-40 years) and Generation X (41-54 years) share this view most strongly (55% and 52%, respectively). Among Generation Z and baby boomers, the percentage is slightly lower (48%). Politically, this opinion is prevalent among far-right Vox voters (76%) and conservative Partido Popular supporters (60%). Even among centre-left PSOE voters, 48% hold this view, compared to just 26% of progressive Sumar voters.
Traditional views on masculinity persist
Ipsos also examined attitudes towards masculinity and childcare. Only 14% of Spaniards believe a man is “less masculine” if he stays home to care for children, down from 17% last year. However, younger generations are more likely to share this view. Among Generation Z, 23% agree, compared to just 4% of baby boomers.
The rise in this view among young people coincides with a broader shift to the right among young men in Spain. Studies suggest anti-feminist rhetoric in politics and media plays a major role in this shift. An analysis of 8.5 million posts on X (formerly Twitter) in 2024 by consulting firm LLYC found that anti-feminist views dominate, with more than half of posts about gender equality being critical of feminism.
Gender violence
Ipsos also investigated perceptions of gender-based violence. A majority (67%) recognise that women are more often victims, in line with Spanish law, which identifies this as a structural issue. However, nearly a quarter (24%) believe men and women suffer equally. Additionally, 4% think men are more often victims than women. Among Vox voters, only 47% acknowledge that women are more frequently victims.
The Ipsos survey results highlight the growing divide in Spain regarding gender equality. While some groups still strongly identify with feminism, there is a rising belief that the fight for equality is disadvantaging men.
Also read: Thousands rally across Spain for the elimination of violence against women