Adam Beattie never imagined a single rainy day would change his outlook on life. But when an unprovoked assault in downtown Vancouver disrupted his sense of safety, it also ignited a journey that would lead him to become one of Canada’s most influential young conservative voices.
Across Canada, a shift is happening, and it’s impossible to ignore. Generation Z, often labelled as the most socially progressive cohort, is proving far more complex. While young women increasingly embrace progressive causes, surveys reveal that young men are heading in the opposite direction—a political pivot that’s reshaping Canadian conservatism and sparking discussions about identity, culture, and values.
Polling data paints the picture clearly. In a 2023 survey by Abacus Data, 41% of Canadian men under 30 expressed support for the Conservative Party, compared to just 23% of women in the same age group. This marks a sharp divergence from past decades, where younger demographics leaned overwhelmingly toward progressive parties like the Liberals or NDP. But this isn’t simply a story of political affiliations—it’s a broader commentary on cultural conservatism and its allure for young men navigating an uncertain world.
Unlike the conservatism of past eras, this emerging identity is culturally focused rather than rooted in economic libertarianism or religious values. According to polling experts, many of these young men identify as economically progressive, advocating for higher taxes on the wealthy and stronger social programs. Yet culturally, they stand firm against rapid societal changes, whether that involves opposing trans athletes in sports or questioning immigration policies. The rise of influencers like Beattie, who uses TikTok to discuss these issues with his 180,000-strong following, underscores how deeply these concerns resonate within online spaces dominated by young men.
For these men, platforms like TikTok and podcasts by figures like Jordan Peterson offer a sense of community and validation—spaces where they can critique societal norms without the fear of being labeled “woke.” As Beattie puts it, “The only reason young people on the right are talking about all this woke stuff is because people on the left are obsessed with it. I want a job, a house, a family, and safety—not endless debates about pronouns.” His words, though controversial, reflect a growing frustration among young conservatives who feel their priorities are sidelined in favour of social activism they don’t resonate with.
Yet, this cultural backlash isn’t confined to Canada. Across democracies, young men are feeling alienated from progressive movements. From South Korea to Germany, political shifts among men under 30 echo similar sentiments of discontent with progressive activism. As Alice Evans, a social scientist, notes, the gender gap in political ideologies is as much about men’s stability in their views as it is about women becoming increasingly progressive. In Canada, this divide is stark, with younger women championing causes like racial justice and gender equity while men align with cultural conservatism.
The implications are significant. For Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives, this newfound base of young male supporters represents an opportunity to reshape the party’s image—a move away from the buttoned-up formalities of Harper-era conservatism toward a values-based platform that speaks directly to digital natives. But this strategy is not without risks. Critics argue that catering heavily to one demographic risks alienating others, particularly young women who see such rhetoric as regressive.
One looming question remains: is the left truly obsessed with wokeness, or is this a narrative constructed by critics to justify their cultural resistance? While conservatives like Beattie argue the left prioritizes symbolism over substance, others suggest that the focus on “wokeness” is a deflection from deeper societal issues like housing affordability and job security. Regardless, the dialogue reflects a growing cultural divide that shows no signs of narrowing.
The political identities of Canada’s young men and women are diverging in unprecedented ways. As their paths continue to split, the nation stands at a crossroads, faced with the challenge of addressing cultural anxieties while ensuring the concerns of all citizens are heard.
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How young men are changing what conservatism looks like in Canada
