"Early this year, Mark Zuckerberg made headlines by saying corporate culture needs more "masculine energy." This sentiment was echoed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's call for the military-an employer of 2.1 million Americans-to return to a "warrior ethos", promoting traditional masculine standards like aggression and athleticism. And yet, according to recent news reports, recruits at ICE (another workplace) are struggling to pass basic fitness tests, and Hegseth allegedly installed a makeup room at the Pentagon."
"Such contradictions remind me of a former manager who once criticized a potential hire for being "kind of girly," yet spent most of his free time online researching spa treatments and shopping for floral polos. Masculinity standards can be nebulous and conflicting. GQ's 2025 State of Masculinity Survey asked 1,929 American men their thoughts and beliefs on masculinity, and men surveyed defined "masculine" as "strong," "protective," and "tough"-but when asked how they'd like to be described by a friend, they said "respectful," "honest," and "responsible.""
"It seems even men themselves are confused about what masculinity is. Meanwhile, the GQ survey also found that 68% of men think about how to be masculine every single day. "Men are navigating mixed messages," says gender equality and masculinity researcher Dr. Sarah DiMuccio, Head of Research and Development at Above & Beyond, a DEI consultancy and leadership academy based in Copenhagen. "'Be more open and empathetic.' But also: 'man up' and 'be decisive.'""
Mark Zuckerberg called for more 'masculine energy' in corporate culture, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth urged a return to a 'warrior ethos.' News reports show ICE recruits struggling with basic fitness tests while Hegseth allegedly installed a makeup room at the Pentagon, revealing contradictions in masculine expectations. A manager criticized a candidate as 'kind of girly' while privately researching spa treatments and buying floral polos. GQ's 2025 State of Masculinity Survey of 1,929 American men found men define 'masculine' as 'strong,' 'protective,' and 'tough,' yet prefer being seen as 'respectful,' 'honest,' and 'responsible.' Sixty-eight percent of men think about masculinity daily. Workplace leaders who push a narrow masculinity influence who gets heard, promoted, and rewarded, shaping business and culture.
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