TL;DR
Helen Lewis’s article in The Atlantic examines how masculinism has become a unifying force on the American right, blending legitimate concerns with extreme political agendas. The piece highlights key figures and policy goals, emphasizing its significance for American politics and gender rights.
Helen Lewis’s article in The Atlantic’s June issue reports on the rise of ‘masculinism,’ a movement uniting various anti-feminist groups and figures across the American right, with significant implications for gender politics and policy debates.
In her article, Lewis describes masculinism as a broad movement that combines legitimate concerns about male loneliness, economic stagnation among non-college-educated men, and social isolation, with more alarming political aims. She notes that the movement now includes influential figures such as Douglas Wilson, Joel Webbon, and Scott Yenor, who advocate for policies like rollback of no-fault divorce, tax incentives for traditional gender roles, and the restriction of women’s rights, including voting and reproductive autonomy.
Lewis emphasizes that masculinism has become a central ideology within the American right, aligning with Trumpism and influencing mainstream conservative discourse. She highlights how some proponents promote a return to 1970s workplace culture, including normalization of sexual harassment and preferential hiring practices for men, which she describes as ‘affirmative action for men.’
The article features interviews with key figures, including religious leaders and online provocateurs, illustrating the movement’s ideological diversity and its potential impact on policy and social norms.
Why It Matters
This development matters because masculinism’s increasing influence could reshape American social and political landscapes, potentially undermining gender equality and democratic principles. Its alignment with far-right ideology raises concerns about future policy directions, including restrictions on women’s rights and gender-based discrimination, which could have long-term societal consequences.
masculinism books
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Background
Lewis’s reporting situates masculinism within a broader historical and political context, noting its emergence as a reaction to feminist gains and changing gender roles. The movement’s roots trace back to anti-feminist sentiments in the Christian right and the manosphere, gaining traction amid cultural debates over gender and identity in recent years. The article references prior political shifts and the prominence of figures like Donald Trump, whose rhetoric and policies have often echoed masculinist themes.
“Masculinism has become the single most important force uniting the American right, bringing together an unlikely constellation of pastors, influencers, and politicians.”
— Helen Lewis
“At one end of the spectrum are legitimate concerns about male loneliness and economic stagnation; at the other, a political agenda close to that in The Handmaid’s Tale.”
— Helen Lewis
gender equality advocacy books
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear how widespread and institutionalized these masculinist policies will become, or how mainstream conservative parties will respond as the movement’s influence grows. The long-term impact on women’s rights and democratic norms is still uncertain, and further developments are expected as political debates unfold.
men's rights movement literature
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
What’s Next
Next steps include monitoring legislative proposals influenced by masculinist ideology, responses from women’s rights advocates, and the movement’s influence on upcoming elections and policy debates. Further interviews and research are anticipated to gauge the movement’s evolution.
books on gender politics
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
What is masculinism?
Masculinism is a movement that seeks to promote traditional male roles, challenge feminist progress, and advocate for policies favoring men, often blending legitimate social concerns with extreme political agendas.
Who are some key figures in masculinism?
Prominent figures include Douglas Wilson, Joel Webbon, Scott Yenor, and online provocateurs like Charles Cornish-Dale (Raw Egg Nationalist). These individuals promote various anti-feminist and traditionalist ideas.
How does masculinism influence current politics?
It acts as a unifying ideology within the American right, shaping policy proposals such as restrictions on women’s reproductive rights, opposition to diversity initiatives, and advocating for traditional gender roles.
What are the potential societal impacts of this movement?
If the movement’s influence continues to grow, it could lead to increased gender discrimination, rollback of women’s rights, and societal polarization around gender issues.
