Gen Z want a return to traditional values on work and marriage
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This may come as a shock to parents who've heard Gen Z memes or seen one too many Fortnite dances, but Generation Z is shaping up to be one of the most traditional – and likely, most successful – generations in recent history.
For decades, younger generations in the West have been associated with progressive ideals, championing (mostly leftist) social change, breaking away from traditional norms, and embracing alternative lifestyles (all the way to creating alternative genders). However, a surprising cultural shift is emerging among Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012). Unlike their Millennial predecessors, many Gen Z men are increasingly leaning toward conservative and traditional perspectives, particularly regarding work, marriage and family life.
THE NEW APPEAL OF TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE AND FAMILIES
Despite growing up in an era that promoted non-traditional relationship models and casual dating culture, Gen Z (especially Gen Z men) are more pro-marriage than millennials and have less casual sex. A landmark Times survey reveals they hold more conservative attitudes toward relationships – a stark divergence from other generations.
These surveys indicate that the upcoming generation of young men value long-term commitment more than previous generations. According to a report by The Times, two-thirds of Gen Z respondents believe marriage remains important, with one-third advocating for marriage before having children.
One explanation for this shift lies in Gen Z’s experience of the instability and fragmentation of family life. Many were raised by divorced or single parents and witnessed firsthand the emotional and financial struggles associated with broken homes. This has led to a conscious rejection of the fluid relationship structures that dominated Millennial attitudes. Instead, many young men are seeking stability through committed relationships and family structures that offer long-term security.
Additionally, the decline of casual dating culture, in part due to the dissatisfaction with modern dating apps and the rising costs of single life, has contributed to this trend. Young men are increasingly expressing frustration with transactional, short-term relationships and are seeking deeper connections that provide long-term meaning.
CAREER STABILITY OVER HUSTLE CULTURE
Another area where Gen Z is bucking the progressive trend is in their approach to work and career. While Millennials were characterized by job-hopping, a pursuit of passion over stability, and an embrace of the gig economy, Gen Z is showing a strong preference for job security and long-term employment.
A study published by The Times found that 75% of Gen Z individuals prioritize secure, stable jobs over high-risk entrepreneurial endeavors. Unlike Millennials, who often valued work flexibility above all else, young men in Gen Z see a steady income and reliable employment as crucial elements of adulthood. This shift is, in part, a reaction to economic uncertainty – members of Gen Z came of age during the COVID-19 pandemic and watched their families struggle with job losses, inflation and rising housing costs.
Additionally, Gen Z men are less enthusiastic about the remote work revolution. Unlike Millennials, who largely embraced digital nomadism and freelancing, many young men now express a preference for in-person work environments. This may be due to the social benefits and professional growth opportunities that come from working in a physical office, something that was severely disrupted by lockdowns and prolonged remote work policies.
This shift in both career outlook and marriage and family goals couldn't have come at a better time. In November of 2024, Mike Rowe pointed out one example (of many) of the dire situation facing US manufacturing, most of which is built on the kinds of skills that require long-term commitment to attain. "Boomers are retiring in record numbers, and not being replaced at anywhere near the same rate," said Rowe. "Right now, for every five skilled workers who retire, two come in. It’s been that way for a while, and the math is not sustainable. Today, every company that relies on a skilled workforce is struggling to hire. Construction companies, in particular, are desperately short-handed, and The Submarine Industrial Base – a collection of 15,000 separate companies charged with building four nuclear powered submarines – is looking to recruit 100,000 tradespeople over the next nine years. 100,000!" At the same time, every western nation is facing a birth rate crisis. Much of this crisis is fueled by a mix of economic problems, mass immigration, terrible social norms and pop culture making the idea of family – especially large families – socially unappealing.
However, thankfully, there is a broader cultural shift among Gen Z men toward conservative values. Part of this change is a reaction against the excesses of progressive ideology. Policies and cultural narratives that emphasize identity politics over merit, redefine masculinity, and promote alternative relationship structures have shown this upcoming generation where it's not at and they want a return to the aspects of the past that worked, that created the greatest nation in the history of humanity.
Young men are increasingly embracing values of self-discipline, responsibility and traditional masculinity – concepts that were often dismissed as outdated by previous generations. Figures such as Jordan Peterson and Andrew Tate, despite their differences, have gained massive followings among young men by promoting self-improvement, accountability and the rejection of victimhood mentalities. These ideas resonate with young men who feel that contemporary culture offers little in the way of positive masculine role models.
IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIETY AND POLITICS
The consequences of this cultural shift are profound. Politically, Gen Z men are trending more conservative than their predecessors, with many questioning progressive economic policies, gender narratives, and the role of government intervention in personal life. This is evident in recent elections, where young male voters swung significantly toward conservative candidates.
On a societal level, the renewed focus on marriage and career stability among Gen Z men, if nurtured and encouraged, will lead to strong families – the backbone of any successful society. In addition, strong families will help push for stronger family-oriented policies which, in turn, will have a compounding effect across broader society.
There is an opportunity here, with this new generation, to re-energize the nation and truly usher in a new golden era. But to accomplish this, those who want this outcome must shed the liberal hyper-individualism that so wrecked the generations that came before. The "pick yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality of the baby boomer generation must be replaced with a focus on building up this new generation. They already have the work ethic and desire to truly make their nations great. All they need now is the guidance and support of their forefathers.
While this transformation is still unfolding, one thing is clear: the stereotype of the ultra-progressive, detached Gen Z man is increasingly inaccurate. Instead, a new generation is emerging – one that values commitment over casual relationships, stability over career experimentation, and discipline over ideological conformity. Whether this shift is a temporary correction or a long-term realignment remains to be seen, but its impact is already reshaping the future of Western culture and politics.
Arthur is a former editor and consultant. Born in India to missionary parents, he spent his early career working in development for NGOs in Asia, Central America, and Africa.
Arthur has an educational background in history and psychology, with certifications from the University of Oxford and Leiden in the economics, politics, and ethics of mass migration and comparative theories in terrorism and counterterrorism. He is currently launching CivWest, a company focused on building capital to fund restorative projects and create resilient systems across the Western world.
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