masculinist

Masculinist refers to a person who advocates for men's issues or studies masculinity. The term can describe a political stance within the broader men’s rights movement or a neutral scholarly interest in how masculine identities shape individuals and society. It derives from masculine and the suffix -ist and is used descriptively as well as polemically in English.

In practice, masculinists may push for policy changes affecting men and boys, such as family law reforms, male health care, and education gaps, as well as for analyses of how cultural norms around masculinity influence behavior and well-being. Some masculinists are scholars or activists without a political agenda, while others adopt anti-feminist positions that emphasize gender critiques.

Reception varies. Critics argue that some masculinist discourses frame gender issues as a zero-sum competition and overlook women’s experiences of disadvantage; supporters contend that attention to men’s issues complements gender equality and can benefit families and society. The term’s connotations differ across regions and communities, ranging from neutral descriptor to pejorative label depending on context.