Understanding ‘masculinism,’ a movement to restore the primacy of men

Understanding 'Masculinism,' A Movement to Reaffirm Men's Dominance

Understanding masculinism a movement to restore - Terry Gross, host of FRESH AIR, recently explored the concept of masculinism in a conversation with Helen Lewis, a staff writer at The Atlantic. The topic, which has gained traction within conservative circles, challenges the notion of gender equality by asserting that men should lead in both public and private spheres. Lewis's article, "The Men Who Want Women To Be Quiet," highlights how this ideology has become a cornerstone of the American right, shaping political agendas and cultural norms.

The Rise of Masculinism in American Politics

Masculinism, as Lewis explains, is not merely a reaction to feminism but a distinct political movement rooted in the belief that men are inherently more suited to positions of authority. It frames feminism as a force that diminishes traditional male roles, advocating instead for a return to hierarchical structures where men hold sway over women. This idea is not new; it has been debated for decades, but its resurgence in recent years has given it fresh momentum, particularly within right-wing political groups.

"Masculinism is a word that has been around for quite a long time now," Lewis notes. "It’s the idea that men should be in charge, that the world should be ordered in a way that reflects their natural leadership. These new versions of the ideology often tie into biological determinism, arguing that men’s hormones make them better suited for governance and combat roles."

While patriarchy and misogyny are frequently used interchangeably, Lewis emphasizes that masculinism operates as a more structured political philosophy. It is not just about men ruling over women but about systematically reinforcing their dominance through policy and societal norms. This approach is characterized by its focus on restoring what its adherents see as the original order of gender roles, where men are the primary decision-makers and women are expected to support them in domestic and professional settings.

The movement has found a powerful voice in figures like Douglas Wilson, a Christian nationalist pastor and co-founder of CREC, the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches. With a network of approximately 170 churches, CREC has become a hub for promoting masculinist ideals. Wilson’s influence extends beyond religious circles; he has been associated with prominent conservative leaders such as Pete Hegseth, the former Secretary of Defense. Hegseth’s alignment with CREC is evident in his participation in the Pentagon’s monthly Christian prayer service, where he stood beside Wilson during a February event.

"Wilson is one of the people I interviewed for the article," Lewis says. "He represents a growing faction within the American right that views masculinism as the bedrock of their political vision. His ideas are not just fringe—they’re being actively integrated into mainstream conservative discourse."

CREC’s reach also includes a network of Christian schools, where Hegseth’s children were educated. This institutional support underscores the movement’s goal to embed its principles into everyday life, from education to governance. Masculinism, as Lewis describes, is not limited to religious institutions. It has become a rallying point for figures like Andrew Tate and Myron Gaines, whose online influence has amplified its reach. These individuals are part of a broader trend that includes the MAGA movement, which has embraced masculinist ideas as a way to unify its base.

Policy Proposals and Cultural Impact

The political agenda of masculinism is clear: to reestablish men as the primary architects of society. This includes advocating for policies that reinforce traditional gender roles, such as limiting women’s participation in certain professions or redefining family structures. One prominent example is the push to repeal the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. While this may seem extreme to some, Lewis points out that it is a policy proposal seriously considered by its adherents.

"Repealing the 19th Amendment sounds like a far-fetched idea to many," Lewis says. "But it’s a policy that is advanced by people who genuinely believe in the importance of men’s leadership. They see the amendment as a disruption to the natural order, where men are the heads of households and women are their followers."

Other policy initiatives include promoting equal pay for men over women, restricting women’s access to leadership roles in the military and judiciary, and encouraging family-centric models where women are primarily responsible for domestic duties. These proposals are often framed as solutions to perceived societal imbalances, with masculinism positioning itself as the opposite of feminism’s goals. While feminism seeks to equalize opportunities between genders, masculinism argues that men and women are fundamentally different and that these differences justify distinct societal functions.

One of the movement’s key arguments is that men are biologically and psychologically better equipped to handle leadership roles. This idea, which Lewis calls "a kind of intellectual underpinning," is used to justify policies that prioritize male authority in education, politics, and the workplace. The movement also draws inspiration from cultural models, such as the Saudi Arabian system of guardianship, where men are the sole decision-makers for women’s lives. By comparing their vision to such systems, masculinists argue that their approach is not only logical but also time-tested.

A New Wave of Conservative Thought

According to Lewis, the movement has evolved beyond its earlier iterations, becoming a cohesive political ideology that resonates with a wide audience. It is not just a reaction to feminist progress but a proactive strategy to reshape the social and political landscape. This has led to the emergence of a new generation of right-wing thinkers who frame masculinism as a necessary counterbalance to what they view as excessive feminist influence.

"I didn’t want to just say sexism or misogyny," Lewis explains. "That’s a conversation ender. People may agree that it’s bad, but they often don’t see it as a political force. Masculinism, on the other hand, has a set of ideas that drive its agenda, making it a significant movement in its own right."

The influence of masculinism is evident in the growing alignment between religious and political conservatives. Figures like Wilson and Hegseth exemplify this fusion, where faith-based beliefs in male superiority inform political decisions. This integration has allowed masculinism to gain legitimacy in the eyes of many Americans, who perceive it as a way to preserve traditional values in an increasingly progressive world.

As the movement gains traction, it raises important questions about the balance between gender equality and traditional roles. While some argue that masculinism reinforces outdated stereotypes, others see it as a necessary force for restoring what they believe is a natural order. The movement’s growing presence in the American right suggests that it is not just a fringe ideology but one that is shaping the future of political discourse. Whether viewed as a reactionary force or a necessary evolution, masculinism is undeniably a significant movement in contemporary politics.

By embedding itself within religious institutions, educational systems, and political campaigns, masculinism has found a way to influence public opinion and policy. Its adherents argue that this approach is essential for maintaining the primacy of men in a society that has increasingly prioritized women’s rights. As Lewis’s article illustrates, the movement is more than just a collection of ideas—it is a force that is reshaping the American right and redefining the boundaries of gender roles in the process.