The weight of the male stereotype

Traditional male roles—stoic, dominant, emotionally detached—have long been tied to the oppression of women. These rigid expectations don’t only affect women; they trap men too. Especially for young men in lower socioeconomic positions, hypermasculinity can become a survival tactic. It’s used to mask insecurity and low status, but often turns into aggression and violence.

Sexism isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s “just a joke.”

Sexism isn’t just hostile. It’s often subtle and even disguised as compliments or humor. Ambivalent sexism, which includes both negative and seemingly positive stereotypes about women, seeps into everyday life. It shows up in victim-blaming, the sexual objectification of women, and the normalization of jokes that reinforce gender inequality. Ignoring this kind of humor as harmless overlooks how it contributes to long-term harm.

Girls grow up being valued for how they look, not who they are. Their needs, talents, and emotions are sidelined. This kind of social environment fuels appearance anxiety, disordered eating, depression, and even sexual dysfunction. It weakens their ability to feel connected to their own bodies and undermines their sense of agency.

Online abuse isn’t random

Women are more likely than men to face online violence. Nearly one in four women in major countries report experiencing abuse or harassment online. It’s not just a few trolls—it’s part of a broader pattern that silences and controls.

Adolescents are watching. And learning.

Gender stereotypes box in both boys and girls. They define what you should like, how you should act, and who you’re supposed to become. For teens still figuring themselves out, these boxes feel suffocating. Instead of growing freely, they often default to what seems expected—even when it’s toxic.

The Red Pill isn’t just a meme. It’s a movement.

The rise of Red Pill culture—fueled by misogyny and male supremacy—didn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s spreading fast online, appealing to adolescent boys who are navigating identity confusion and searching for belonging. Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development shows that identity formation is influenced by earlier life experiences and relationships. When kids grow up exposed to rigid gender norms, they’re more vulnerable to radical ideologies offering simple answers.

What needs to change

We need to take this seriously. Psychologists—and anyone working with youth—must engage with the cultural, political, and economic movements shaping today’s adolescents. This isn’t just about combating sexism. It’s about creating space for teens to explore who they are without being trapped in outdated roles and expectations.

This is a social conversation we can’t afford to avoid. And science is telling us why.