feminist movements and exhibit a less pronounced identification with them. Some express personal disinterest or a sense of irrelevance, framing feminism as primarily a women’s issue and something they are not directly affected by. For example, Sebastian(male, 24, Berlin, mixed group) explains: “I just don’t have any opinions on it[gender equality]. I have other worries. Because I’m not affected by it”. In all-male groups, some express a sense of uncertainty or dissatisfaction with their role and position in feminist discourse. This uncertainty can lead to reluctant participation, cautious wording and selective engagement with feminist debates, often accompanied by a distancing from forms of present­day feminism that are perceived as“extreme”. Alexander, male, 25, Stockholm, all-male group: “It feels like a troublesome issue to deal with, because it almost feels like I am doing something wrong if I don’t hate myself – I am a man, nevertheless!” Rami, male, 22, Stockholm, all-male group: “It feels a bit controversial, because the men can actually not say anything in this matters; they should not have an opinion. Whatever a man would say, it would just turn out wrong. I have been in such situations in elementary and high school, where they asked me whether I was a feminist or not – but I didn’t know what to answer, because I would be attacked regardless of what I would answer. We all provided the wrong answers! I don’t think men should have opinions about women and their rights, but we should of course be helpful.” Statements such as these, suggesting that men cannot or should not engage with feminism, indicate that men are less likely to be addressed by feminist discourse or are even excluded from it. Simultaneously, these statements might also express an intentional distancing from feminism. Particularly in Sweden, some male participants expressed that feminism is primarily a matter for women to“take care of” or“organise” on their own, reflecting a perception that gender equality is a women’s issue rather than a shared societal responsibility. A comparable trend emerges in other countries, as male participants exhibit reduced levels of both familiarity with and interest in feminist subjects within the focus groups. Both variations suggest limited solidarity with feminist goals, a distancing from feminist activism and the assumption that men’s engagement is secondary or unnecessary, even in discussions about structural inequalities or political advocacy. It highlights how some young men frame feminism as a domain reserved for women, rather than a collective effort in which all genders have a role to play. 3.5.3 Navigating“extreme feminism”: Ambivalence, distancing and subtle anti­feminist discourses Anti-feminist talking points that equate feminism with a hatred of men or exaggeration are recognised but not fully endorsed; instead, they are regarded as a distorted manifestation of modern feminism that has deviated from its original core. Participants frequently make a distinction between feminism as a movement pursuing gender equality and“extreme feminism”, which is characterised as hostile to men or excessive. Those identifying as feminists appear to feel the need to differentiate themselves from this“extreme feminism” to be perceived as credible and legitimate. This distinction enables participants to affirm their support for gender equality while simultaneously rejecting controversial or stigmatised interpretations. By doing so, they assert support for gender equality while distancing themselves from interpretations that could be socially stigmatised or politically polarising. For instance, Victoria(female, 20, Madrid, all­female group) explains: “There are extreme feminists – or rather, female supremacists – who generate hatred toward men to feel superior, and men who generate hatred toward EqualiZe 71