Study: Men feel threatened by female bosses

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Express newspaper

20/04/2026 20:40

A new study has found that many men feel insecure when led by women in leadership positions, as it can create a sense of "lack of masculinity."

The phenomenon, according to researchers, is related to the social perception of gender roles and how men react when they feel less dominant in a professional situation.

Extensive analysis of studies

Researchers from the University of Kaiserslautern-Landau in Germany analyzed 123 experiments involving a total of about 20 men to understand their reactions in situations where masculinity is questioned.

The results showed a consistent pattern: when men feel they do not meet “masculine” expectations, it affects their emotions, behavior, and attitudes.

According to researchers, men may feel threatened when they are perceived as less dominant, less decisive, or when they are in a subordinate position to a woman who is clearly leading.

Emotional and behavioral reactions

The study shows that these situations can cause stress, anxiety, irritation, and anger in the short term.

In some cases, these emotions are accompanied by compensatory behaviors, such as increased aggression, greater risk-taking, or stronger support for traditional gender roles.

Researchers point out that these reactions may also include discriminatory attitudes and reinforcement of male-dominated social structures.

Effects on society

According to the study's authors, these reactions do not remain only at the individual level, but can also influence social and political behavior.

In some cases, they may be linked to support for more authoritarian or conservative positions.

Researcher Lea Lorenz emphasizes that understanding these mechanisms is important for reducing conflicts and discrimination in society.

"When we understand when a sense of threat arises and what reinforces it, we can help reduce social tensions," she said.

Researchers emphasize that the feeling of threat to masculinity can have wide-ranging consequences, not only for individuals, but also for their social and professional environment, influencing the way people behave, decide, and coexist in the workplace. /GazetaExpress/