What I learned from huge reaction after I wrote about the manosphere
Some readers suggested that advancing women’s rights comes at the expense of men but, in reality, more equal societies tend to benefit everyone
In March, I shared my thoughts on the ‘manosphere’ in this newspaper. Judging by the volume of comments I received in response, it’s clearly a subject on people’s minds. If we want to transform our lost boys into healthy men, it’s clear we need to understand why so many feel adrift and seek answers in online communities.
In my work at the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, we treat violence as a preventable disease. Increasingly, public health discussions are highlighting a growing loneliness epidemic, particularly among young men. We work with experts to understand the world they are growing up in, and part of this is looking at structural shifts in society.
The economic landscape has changed significantly. The decline of traditional industry has altered pathways into stable work that once helped shape identity and purpose, while expectations of what it means to be a man have evolved. For some, these changes have outpaced the support available to help them navigate life.
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A form of protection
We need to be clear about the reality in communities. For men in marginalised parts of Scotland, identity is closely tied to safety. As social commentator Darren McGarvey has described, in environments of constant stress, violence can feel like an atmospheric condition you are forced to breathe. In this context, a hyper-masculine posture can act as a form of protection. Any effort to support change must recognise these survival instincts, while addressing the conditions that sustain them.
These factors help explain why some are turning to the manosphere: online spaces that push back against gender equality and promote rigid ideas about masculinity, authority, and relationships. This content is deeply concerning, and it’s important to understand why it resonates with those who feel disconnected or uncertain about their place in the world.
Some readers suggested that advancing women’s rights comes at the expense of men. This relies on the idea that progress is a zero-sum game. In reality, more equal societies tend to benefit everyone. When expectations become more flexible, men are less constrained by narrow definitions of strength and success, and better able to build meaningful connections.
Another perspective calls for a return to traditional gender roles, on the basis that they once provided clarity and purpose. However, those same norms often limited emotional expression and contributed to the isolation many now experience. Today’s challenges require approaches that reflect modern life.
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True strength
Finally, there is concern that encouraging emotional intelligence and expression undermines resilience and stoicism. In practice, the opposite is often true. The ability to speak honestly about challenges and seek support when needed can strengthen resilience. True strength incorporates this into its definition.
If we want a Scotland where all of us thrive, schools, workplaces, and communities need to value men not just for traditional ideas of toughness, but their full humanity. That includes understanding why some boys and young men feel under pressure, and addressing the factors that contribute to that through early support, positive role models and opportunities for connection and purpose.
Change has never been this fast, but it will never be this slow again. By helping young men navigate this rapid shift in expectations and identity, we’re not only helping to prevent harm, but contributing to a safer and more inclusive society for everyone.
Jimmy Paul is head of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit
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