The Atlantic’s June Cover: Helen Lewis on “The Men Who Don’t Want Women to Vote”

The Atlantic’s June cover story reports that masculinism has become the most significant unifying force within the American right, bringing together diverse figures and movements that oppose feminism and advocate for traditional gender roles.

Helen Lewis’s article documents how various strains of anti-feminism—spanning the Christian right, manosphere influencers, and political figures—have coalesced into a movement called masculinism. This movement is not monolithic; it includes both legitimate concerns about male well-being and more extreme political aims, such as restricting women’s rights to vote, work, and control their bodies.

Lewis interviews prominent masculinist figures, including Douglas Wilson, a religious leader promoting a theocratic vision, and Charles Cornish-Dale, known as Raw Egg Nationalist, who advocates for traditional gender roles. The movement’s policy goals include the rollback of no-fault divorce, tax incentives favoring male breadwinners, opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and a return to workplace cultures of the 1970s, where sexual harassment was normalized.

Lewis describes masculinism as a ‘perpetual-motion machine of grievance,’ functioning both as a serious political ideology and a cultural phenomenon that feeds on discontent with the status quo. She notes that the movement has become central to Trumpism and broader conservative politics, shaping policy debates and cultural discourse alike.

Why It Matters

This development matters because masculinism is influencing the ideological landscape of the American right, potentially affecting future policy decisions and electoral politics. Its rise signals a shift toward more overt anti-feminist and traditionalist rhetoric, which could impact legislation on gender equality, voting rights, and social norms. Understanding this movement helps explain current political dynamics and the potential direction of conservative strategies.

Background

The rise of masculinism is part of a broader trend of anti-feminist and reactionary movements gaining prominence in the U.S. over recent years. It builds on longstanding conservative concerns about gender roles but has recently coalesced into a more organized and influential force, especially within Trump-aligned circles. The movement’s emergence coincides with ongoing cultural debates over gender, voting rights, and social policies, reflecting a polarized political environment.

“Masculinism has become the single most important force uniting the American right, bringing together an unlikely constellation of pastors, influencers, and politicians.”

— Helen Lewis

“Masculinism is both serious and silly, sometimes camp and sometimes chilling, an attention-grabbing performance and a genuine proposition.”

— Helen Lewis

“No wonder it has become the cornerstone of Trumpism.”

— Helen Lewis

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear how influential masculinism will become in shaping concrete policies or electoral outcomes over the coming years. The movement’s future trajectory and the extent of its impact on mainstream conservatism remain uncertain, as does the response from broader society and political institutions.

What’s Next

Further analysis will likely explore how masculinist rhetoric influences upcoming elections and policy debates. Monitoring political figures and legislative proposals associated with this movement will be key to understanding its evolving role in American politics.

Key Questions

What is masculinism?

Masculinism is a movement that seeks to promote traditional male roles, oppose feminism, and advocate for policies favoring men’s interests.

Who are some prominent figures in masculinism?

Key figures include Douglas Wilson, Charles Cornish-Dale (Raw Egg Nationalist), Joel Webbon, and Scott Yenor, among others.

How does masculinism influence current politics?

It serves as a unifying ideological force within the conservative right, shaping rhetoric, policy proposals, and cultural debates around gender roles and rights.

Is masculinism mainstream or fringe?

While it originated on the fringes, Lewis argues that it has become a central and influential element of the American right, especially within Trump-aligned circles.