Masculinity: a Collective Matter
Why Masculinity is not just a "Men Problem"
More than ever, masculinity is being discussed in the public sphere. This debate will only intensify in the next years. These discussions are often framed as issues specific to men, but in reality, masculinity shapes society at large. It is not just a personal identity but a network of values that influence institutions, social norms, and our perceptions of success, power, and human worth. This is something we are all exposed to and take part in.
Society rewards and reinforces traits that are often described as "masculine." Strength, rationality, control, and professional success are matters concerning all human beings, yet they are predominantly associated with masculinity. While these traits are socially praised, care, emotional expression, and vulnerability—equally part of every human experience—are often devalued and seen as "feminine," as if this made them less valuable. These norms shape not only men's lives but how society perceives work, relationships, and even political structures. And this is why this debate extends far beyond men.
From workplaces to governments, the "masculine" model of rationality over emotion, competition over collaboration, and productivity over care has dominated. This hierarchy affects policy decisions, economic structures, and even how we define leadership. Masculinity is not just something men "have"; it is embedded in the very systems that shape our lives. Women may be praised for other traits, but only in the private sphere—in the public arena, those who are applauded are the ones who present "masculine" characteristics.
When political movements claim masculinity is "under attack," they are reacting to shifting social structures that challenge rigid gender roles. Hegemonic masculinity feels outdated for two reasons: it is a construct from the past, and it has no project for the future. The world we are heading to does not demand men to be more "masculine," but humans to be more whole and pro-social. Some seek to restore an old version of masculinity as a way to "fix" social order—reinforcing the idea that masculinity is central to how societies function. If we can move beyond this binary way of thinking, we will recognize that this debate is about shaping the values of a flourishing society. And to do so, we need to humanize citizens rather than divide them into pre-scripted normative roles. We want people flourishing and helping each other grow and build a better world. We don't want to reward behavior that harms society just because it has been said to be the "right thing" to do.
Since masculinity shapes public and private life, redefining it must happen collectively. To make progress, we must have serious conversations about masculinity and recognize that it is constantly evolving. Also, we must overcome the division of human traits into gendered categories, which creates a hierarchy where "masculine" characteristics are placed above "feminine" ones in the public sphere. We must move beyond outdated norms that limit both men and women and instead create new values that prioritize care, compassion, and mutual respect. This isn't just about individual men changing their behavior—it's about shifting how we organize our world. Masculinities are not objects that individuals possess or something from which they can simply detach themselves. Neither is it something exclusive to men; rather, it is ingrained in our social contract and in our collective imagination.
We must rethink what we define as "masculine" and praise pro-social behavior as the foundation of a more just and thriving society. And this is not a job that concerns only men: it concerns us all, as a whole.