Antifeminist Sentiments and Marital Desire among Young Men: Evidence from South Korea

Abstract

Emerging research on antifeminism documents widespread antagonism among young men toward women and marriage. However, no quantitative study has explicitly investigated the connection between men’s antifeminist ideals and marital desire. Using a nationally representative sample of young Korean men ( n = 1,061), the author examines the latent variables of men’s antifeminist sentiments and their association with marital desire. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two dimensions of men’s antifeminist ideals: support for male superiority (e.g., men deserve greater power in society than women) and perceived male victimhood (e.g., male discrimination due to feminism). Support for male superiority predicted more positive attitudes toward marriage. On the contrary, male victimhood predicted substantially less favorable attitudes toward marriage and marital intention. The findings emphasize the multidimensionality of antifeminist sentiments and suggest a new avenue for understanding young men’s marital disinterest in a postindustrial context, that is, perceived male victimhood due to feminism.

“I Am A Feminist, But . . .” Practicing Quiet Feminism in the Era of Everyday Backlash in South Korea

“…Concurrently, neoliberal and postfeminist discourses have gained dominance, giving rise to antifeminist sentiments among young men influenced by growing conservatism (J. Kim 2023). This political and social environment has spurred the migration of antifeminist backlash to the digital realm, creating a manosphere-a space where digital communities propagate misogynist views and reject inclusive masculinity (han and Yin 2023).…”

“…Japan, in its pursuit of feminist policies, experienced antifeminist backlash due to state feminism’s increasing influence (Kano 2011). Concurrently, neoliberal and postfeminist discourses have gained dominance, giving rise to antifeminist sentiments among young men influenced by growing conservatism (J. Kim 2023).…”

“…With feminism gaining increasing visibility and mention in society, antifeminist discourse has also surged, particularly among young men (J. S. Kim 2021; J. Kim 2023; T.…”