Men are often told they have power, yet many feel powerless to change systems that exploit them. There are several reasons for this contradiction:
- Structural Power vs. Individual Power
Men are often associated with power because they are disproportionately represented in leadership roles—government, business, military. However, structural power (held by a few) is different from individual power (the ability of everyday men to change their own circumstances). A man working a 9-to-5 job, struggling with family court, or dealing with societal expectations doesn’t necessarily feel empowered just because other men are in positions of authority.
- Social Conditioning and Self-Sacrifice
From a young age, men are taught to sacrifice for others—family, country, society. The idea of putting oneself first or rejecting traditional roles is often met with ridicule or shame. Many men internalize the belief that their value comes from service and endurance, not from personal autonomy or self-advocacy.
- Lack of Collective Identity or Advocacy
Unlike many other groups, men as a whole lack strong collective advocacy. There are movements for women’s rights, workers’ rights, racial justice—but men’s rights are often dismissed or ridiculed. Even when men face serious issues (suicide rates, workplace deaths, family court biases), they struggle to organize in ways that lead to large-scale change.
- Fear of Social Backlash
Men who speak out about male disadvantages often face shaming, dismissal, or accusations of misogyny. Society has ingrained the idea that men have historically been the oppressors, so when men discuss their own struggles, it’s seen as complaining rather than addressing legitimate issues. This creates a culture of silence and self-censorship.
- Dependency on Female Validation
Many men are conditioned to seek approval from women—whether from mothers, romantic partners, or society at large. Because of this, they may hesitate to challenge systems that benefit women at their expense, fearing rejection or being labeled as “bitter” or “weak.”
- Disunity and Internal Competition
Men are often encouraged to compete with each other rather than unite. Whether through social hierarchies, workplace rivalries, or dating competition, men are pitted against each other, which makes collective action difficult. A divided group is easier to control.
- Short-Term Coping vs. Long-Term Change
Many men deal with their struggles through individual coping mechanisms—distraction (sports, video games, alcohol), withdrawal (MGTOW, monk mode), or just enduring it because they don’t see a way out. Systemic change requires sustained, organized effort, which is difficult when men feel isolated and exhausted.
- Exploitation Disguised as Duty and Honor
Men are often taught that their suffering is noble—whether as soldiers, providers, or protectors. This makes exploitation feel like a duty, rather than something to resist. Many don’t even recognize their own oppression because it’s wrapped in ideas of heroism, masculinity, and responsibility.
So What’s the Solution?
The first step is awareness—getting more men to recognize that their struggles are systemic, not just personal failings. Then, collective organization—whether through advocacy, cultural shifts, or direct action—is key. But this requires overcoming deeply ingrained social conditioning, which is no easy task.
Do you think men are starting to wake up to these issues more, or is there still too much resistance to the idea that men can be oppressed?