Men Are Listening—But Not to Us: How Democrats Can Reclaim the Narrative

The 2024 election made one thing clear: Democrats cannot afford to ignore the growing cultural and political gaps in American politics. Across racial and socioeconomic lines, men—especially Latino and Asian men, suburban men, veterans, and non-college-educated white men—are shifting rightward. Nearly 40% of men now identify as conservative, while only 20% call themselves liberal. Among moderates, Vice President Harris led, but not by enough to bridge the divide. This is not a passing trend—it is a cultural shift that demands attention.

For too long, Democrats have failed to engage men in a meaningful way. The party has spoken about workers, families, and communities, yet the word “men” is often absent from the conversation. More specifically, men aren’t even included in the list of people who they serve. Its absence is not only telling, but a damning indictment of the kind of politics which favors certain groups over others. Democrats must be for all Americans, not just some, as many men feel overlooked, alienated, and adrift in an era of rapid social and economic change. The right has filled this vacuum, offering men a narrative that, however flawed, makes them feel seen. If Democrats want to win them back, they must do more than dismiss the problem or offer technocratic solutions. They must present a vision of masculinity that is aspirational, modern, and deeply rooted in Democratic values.

The Manosphere: A Cultural Force Democrats Cannot Ignore

Much of the energy shaping young men’s perspectives today comes from the  “manosphere“—a vast and influential network of online communities, influencers, and media figures who shape how men think about themselves and their role in society. It includes everyone from self-help coaches preaching personal responsibility to extreme ideologues pushing misogyny, racism, and anti-democratic views. What unites these voices is their ability to connect emotionally with men who feel unmoored in modern society.

At its best, the manosphere promotes self-improvement, fitness, and financial independence. Many young men are drawn to figures who encourage them to take control of their lives—offering discipline, purpose, and confidence. But at its worst, the manosphere nurtures grievance politics, scapegoating women, immigrants, and progressives as the source of men’s struggles. It tells men they are under attack and offers them a seductive—but false—solution: blame others.

What makes the manosphere effective is not just its ideology, but its emotional pull. It speaks to men who feel disrespected, unseen, and disconnected from traditional institutions. It gives them a framework for their struggles, even if that framework is built on misinformation and resentment. If Democrats want to compete, they must engage with men on that same emotional level. The answer is not to dismiss these spaces or scold men for engaging with them, but to offer a better, more constructive alternative—one that affirms men’s struggles without turning them into a weapon against others.

Reframing Masculinity: A Vision for the Future

Reframing masculinity cannot be the work of a political party, but rather a larger cultural movement that they need to enjoin. This cultural movement has an opportunity to redefine masculinity in a way that people are hungry for,  transcends outdated patriarchal norms, and aligns with principles embraced across our nation.

A 21st-century masculinity must be aspirational, not reactionary. It should emphasize:

• Strength Through Adversity: Resilience, hard work, and perseverance through adversity are vital traits that deserve recognition and cultivation. 

• The Importance of Connection: Address the loneliness epidemic (a 2021 Morning Consult poll found that 57% of US men report feeling lonely; 59% of US women report feeling lonely) by promoting meaningful relationships rooted in care and respect and community belonging. A growing number of men report having few to no close friends, leaving them vulnerable to radicalization and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

• Respect and Equality: Building a culture of fairness and respect means men and women can thrive together, not compete. Someone else’s success doesn’t mean you’re losing—it just means we’re all moving forward.

• Care and Responsibility: Protecting the vulnerable, supporting families, and contributing to communities should be seen as heroic, not weak.

• Physical Strength as a Means to Protect:  Physical strength isn’t about control—it’s about care. While violence is often seen negatively, when rooted in responsibility, it can be a powerful force for protection and safety. Traditions like martial arts teach that true strength lies in defense, not aggression. Men’s strength should be celebrated, acknowledged, and appreciated. When guided by ethics, strength defends without harm, ensuring the safety of loved ones and communities. Role models who channel their strength through service, mentorship, and advocacy redefine masculinity as both resilient and compassionate.

This vision of masculinity is not about nostalgia—it is about leadership for the future. Men want purpose. They want to contribute. Democrats must speak to that desire and offer a roadmap to a better version of strength, not one rooted in grievance and resentment.

But rhetoric alone is not enough. If Democrats want to engage men, they must also speak to their real, lived experiences. Men—especially those without college degrees—feel immense economic pressure. The expectation to be a provider still weighs heavily, but the pathways to financial stability have become more uncertain. Wages have stagnated, housing is increasingly unaffordable, and job insecurity is rampant. These issues are not unique to men, but they shape men’s sense of self-worth in profound ways. Addressing them must be central to Democratic policy, not just as a broad economic agenda but as part of a larger story about dignity, purpose, and stability.

At the same time, men are grappling with a deepening crisis of isolation. A growing number report having few or no close friends. Mental health struggles are rising, yet seeking help still carries stigma. The right offers easy answers—telling men to “toughen up” or blaming feminism for their struggles. That is not a real solution. What men need is community and connection—opportunities to build relationships, mentor the next generation, and contribute to something larger than themselves. National service programs, community-based initiatives, and mentorship networks must be championed not just as policies, but as essential components of a thriving society.

And Democrats must also rethink how they communicate with men. For too long, progressive messaging has been pushed out that does not resonate with male audiences. The conservative media machine understands this well—it meets men where they are, whether on podcasts, gaming platforms, or sports media. Democrats cannot afford to cede these spaces. They must be willing to engage in difficult conversations, to show up in places that challenge them, and to deliver a message that is empowering rather than scolding. Men, like all people, respond to inspiration, not instruction. They need to hear that they have a role to play in shaping the future—that their strength is not a liability, but an asset when used in service of something greater.

This is not just about winning elections. It is about building a culture that includes men rather than leaving them behind. The right has spent years cultivating a movement that speaks directly to men’s fears and frustrations. If Democrats fail to respond with a stronger, more compelling vision, they risk solidifying an era in which men are permanently aligned with conservative politics. That outcome is neither inevitable nor acceptable. The task ahead is clear: speak to men’s aspirations, address their struggles, and offer them a place in a movement that fights for their future, not against it.

Key Actions and Questions for the Road Ahead

Moving forward, we need to be thinking about a few key issues which are yet unresolved. They include: 

• Figuring out How to Promote Healthy Masculinity
  What does modern masculinity look like? How can media, education, and community programs help cultivate an aspirational and inclusive vision of manhood that resonates with men today?

• Lifting up Men while not Forgetting about Women
  Addressing male grievances must not come at the expense of women and marginalized groups. How can we uplift men while dismantling misogyny and ensuring gender equity remains central to the conversation?

• Reimagining Rituals and Community Engagement
  With the decline of traditional rites of passage, what new (or revived) institutions—whether in education, sports, national service, or mentorship—can provide men with the structure and sense of belonging they seek?

• Finding ways to Harness Technology for Positive Change
  How can Democrats counter algorithm-driven radicalization while fostering healthier online spaces for young men? Are there successful global strategies, such as the EU’s Digital Services Act, that offer insights into promoting digital literacy and constructive engagement?

• Integrating Culture and Innovation
  Embedding positive messages within cultural spaces like gaming and sports shows promise. How can we authentically integrate these narratives into existing interests, fostering a supportive environment without resorting to overt counter-narratives?

• Dismantling On-Ramps: Misogyny and antisemitism are often entry points into broader extremist ideologies. What targeted interventions can disrupt these narratives and prevent young men from being pulled into reactionary movements?