3.5 Between agreement, ambivalence and moderate backlash: Divergent meanings attached to feminism Broad support for gender equality; cautious engagement with feminism: Most young adults accept gender equality, equal opportunity, dignity and freedom of choice as basic moral standards. Women often identify strongly with feminism, seeing it as both a political framework and a source of personal validation. Men tend to engage more cautiously and sometimes distance themselves from forms they view as extreme or overly politicised. Agreement on goals, not the label: Participants generally agree on the goals of feminism, including equality, autonomy and participation, though some reject the label because of political, cultural or media associations. In countries such as Poland and Spain, feminism can be seen as foreign, radical or threatening traditional values, even among women who support equality. Emotional engagement and everyday relevance: Women often reinforce feminist views through personal experiences and information from social media. Men are more likely to treat gender equality as a theoretical or secondary issue. Feminism provides young women with a sense of safety, community and guidance. Some men see it primarily as a women’s issue. Distinguishing mainstream and extreme feminism: Many participants separate mainstream feminism from extreme or radical forms, which are seen as hostile, performative or socially polarising. This allows support for equality while avoiding stigma or conflict, though it can also subtly reinforce anti-feminist ideas. Limited impact of anti-feminist and manosphere ideas: Some men initially support anti-feminist statements or dating­based grievances, but discussions show these views are often not connected to broader manosphere ideologies. Awareness of online anti-feminist content exists, but it has limited influence on participants’ own beliefs, especially in mixed and diverse groups. Group dynamics influence expression: Critical or anti-feminist views are often softened or abandoned during discussion when challenged by better-informed participants. This suggests that support for such positions can vary, depending on group composition and anonymity. Building on perceptions of persistent gendered disadvantages in work, care and experiences of harassment, the discussions also touched upon broader frameworks, including feminism and gender equality. While feminism occasionally arose spontaneously, participants were at one point explicitly asked to position themselves in relation to it. Reflections on these concepts reveal how young people navigate both the moral and political dimensions of gender justice. Broad agreement exists on the normative value of equality and freedom of choice, yet responses vary in emotional 68 EqualiZe