Are young women more left wing than men – and, if so, why?

Are young women more left wing than men – and, if so, why?

In recent years, a noticeable political split has emerged between young women and young men, leaving many puzzled about the reasons behind it. Studies indicate that young men are more inclined to lean right in their voting behavior, while young women tend to adopt more liberal perspectives. For instance, a survey conducted in 2025 by Focaldata for the John Smith Centre revealed that 20% of young British women identified as left-wing, in contrast to 13% of young men. Despite this, the majority of both genders did not align strictly with left or right ideologies.

During the 2024 general election, polling data from YouGov suggests that while Labour was the top choice for both genders, there were distinctions in party preferences. A notable finding was that the Green Party garnered more support from young women, with 23% of 18 to 24-year-old women voting for the party compared to 12% of men in the same age group. On the other hand, the Conservative Party struggled to attract younger voters, with most of its support coming from individuals over 65.

The evolving landscape of British politics has witnessed a decline in traditional party allegiances, leading to uncertainty regarding what constitutes left and right ideologies. Dr. Ceri Fowler, a fellow in comparative politics at Oxford University, highlighted the progressive attitudes of young people compared to older generations. Delving deeper into the data, there appears to be a stark division where young men lean towards the right, and young women gravitate towards the left, with more extreme support for parties like Reform among men and the Greens among women.

Despite these trends, there are emerging narratives challenging the gender-based political divide. Figures like Joseph Boam, a 22-year-old Reform UK councillor, emphasize that the party’s appeal extends beyond gender lines, with significant female support evident. Boam acknowledges the effectiveness of social media in shaping political perceptions and believes that Reform’s online presence has resonated with a broader audience. As parties adapt their strategies to engage with diverse demographics, there is an ongoing effort to bridge the gender gap and cater to the evolving preferences of young voters

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