What is Male Feminism Called?

Male feminism, also known as pro-feminism or men‘s liberation, refers to men who support the principles of feminism and seek to end sexism against women. The terms "male feminist" and "pro-feminist man" are used to describe men who identify themselves as feminists and actively advocate for women‘s rights and gender equality.

But what exactly does it mean to be a feminist man in modern society? In this extensive guide, I‘ll provide an in-depth look at the history of male involvement in feminism, motivations behind it, major issues and organizations, notable male feminists, and tips for becoming a better ally. Let‘s dive in!

A Thorough History of Pro-Feminist Men

Male feminism has deeper roots than many realize, stretching back to the 1800s when individual men like philosopher John Stuart Mill advocated for women‘s equality. But it wasn‘t until the 1960s and 1970s that men began actively organizing into pro-feminist groups and allies on a larger scale.

Early Stirrings and Men‘s Liberation

When the feminist movement re-emerged in the 1960s, some men began questioning traditional masculine norms and saw value in promoting gender equality. Men‘s liberation groups sprang up that critiqued rigid sex roles, supported reproductive rights, and tried to develop a new "anti-sexist" masculine identity.

In 1968 the first national organization for pro-feminist men, Men‘s Liberation, was founded in Tennessee by Jed Adams. They condemned male supremacy and participated in feminist direct actions like protesting the Miss America pageant.

Men‘s Liberation activists marching in 1970 (Photo credit: The Conversation)

Emergence of Academics and Organizations

Through the 1970s and 80s more academics like Michael Kimmel and Robert Brannon began developing fields like men‘s studies and masculinity research that examined men‘s identities through a pro-feminist lens.

Organizations like the National Organization for Men Against Sexism (NOMAS) were founded to engage men in ending violence against women and dismantling patriarchy. NOMAS later expanded into an international network of pro-feminist men with tens of thousands of members and supporters.

Other groups like Men Stopping Violence also emerged focusing specifically on education programs for male batterers and preventing domestic abuse.

Evolution to Today

From the 1990s to present day, male feminist scholars and activists have made feminism more mainstream by speaking out in public, demonstrating the positives of gender equality for both men and women.

New writings explored issues like men‘s mental health, involved fatherhood, and liberating masculinity from oppressive constraints like homophobia. International NGOs like Promundo work globally to engage men in domestic duties and caregiving.

High profile male celebrities also increasingly identify as feminists, from actors like Alan Alda to athletes like Lewis Hamilton.

So the pro-feminist movement continues evolving new generations of men actively advancing women‘s equality and dignity.

Why Do Some Men Embrace Feminism?

Men have adopted the feminist label for a variety of psychological and philosophical reasons:

• Basic morality – They believe in principles of equality and supporting women is simply the right thing to do.

• Personal relationships – Having the women in their lives face inequality and discrimination compels them to take action.

• Unmet emotional needs – Rigid masculinity norms prevent vulnerable expression, which feminism liberates.

• Reducing violence – Feminism analyzes root causes of violence against women that men wish to stop.

• Dismantling privilege systems – Pro-feminist analysis reveals male privilege harming both men and women.

• Enhanced opportunities – Gender equality allows men to take on more life roles like involved fathering and pursuing interests.

While some men embrace feminism for moral reasons, others come to it after painful personal experiences reveal gender injustice. But in the end, most male feminists feel it improves life for everyone.

Major Issues and Topics

Male feminists focus on a variety of specific issues:

Issue	Male Feminist Perspectives
Ending Violence Against Women	Understanding causes in masculinity socialization, re-educating abusive men, rallying other men as allies.
Involved Fatherhood	Advocating for paid parental leave policies, reducing workplace pressures that prevent active fathering.
Reproductive Rights	Destigmatizing male contraceptive options, fighting for abortion access as a human right.
Women in Leadership	Mentoring and sponsoring women in workplaces, examining barriers and biases in talent management systems.

This table shows just a sample of topics, but improving conditions, opportunities and safety for women across all of society is a core aim.

Organizations Engaging Men in Feminism

Several long-running organizations have engaged men in feminism:

Organization	Mission and History	Key Activities
National Organization for Men Against Sexism (NOMAS)	Founded in 1975, one of oldest national pro-feminist men‘s organizations.	Public education, activism, support groups for men.
MenEngage Alliance	Global alliance with over 700 NGO partners founded in 2004.	Policy advocacy, research, reducing men‘s violence.
Men Stopping Violence	Founded in 1982, focused on prevention education and rehabilitating batterers.	Trainings and social change strategies to end violence against women.
Promundo	Founded in Brazil in 1997, prominent global NGO engaging men in gender justice.	Fatherhood programs, research, campaigning for law/policy reform.

This table provides just a sample of the many impactful organizations that continue engaging men in positive social change.

Notable Male Feminist Thinkers and Voices

Some influential male feminists through the decades include:

• John Stuart Mill (1806 – 1873) – Early philosopher who argued for women‘s equality and reproductive rights.
• Alan Alda (b. 1936) – Actor who founded the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science to promote gender inclusion.
• Michael Kaufman (b. 1949) – Co-founder of the White Ribbon Campaign to end male violence against women.
• Jackson Katz (b. 1958) – Pioneer of the bystander approach for violence prevention and founder of Mentors in Violence Prevention.
• Michael Kimmel (b. 1951) – Created academic field of masculinity studies; author of books like Angry White Men examining gender and extremists.
• Patrick Hopkins (b. 1968) – Sociologist studying positive forms of masculinities and men‘s role in gender equality.
• Jose Manuel Vasconcelos (b. 1985) – Youth activist organizing workshops for men on healthy relationships and consent.

Beyond just famous figures, everyday men also speak out on social media and in their communities to support equality and combat sexism through personal example.

Their diverse voices all demonstrate that feminism ultimately aims to free both men and women from societal constraints.

Data on Men‘s Shifting Views

According to various surveys and studies, men‘s perceptions related to feminism have gradually changed over the past few decades:

Men Identifying as Feminist

Year	% Identifying as Feminist	Source
1972	2%	General Social Survey
2015	7%	YouGov
2020	17%	YouGov

Support for Feminism Among Men

Type	%	Source	Year
Millennial Men Supporting Gender Equality	67%	IPSOS/Bustle	2017
Men Supporting MeToo	48%	Economist/YouGov	2019
Men Say Feminism Helps Men	52%	More in Common	2018

This data indicates that while the majority of men may not openly use the feminist label, more now recognize the benefits of and actively support the goals of women’s equality and justice in society.

My Journey as a Male Feminist

As someone who identifies as a pro-feminist man myself, I can attest to the profound positive impact it has had on my life and relationships.

Growing up, I saw firsthand how society imposed unfair expectations and limitations on the women I cared about – my mother, sister, female friends. Learning feminist analysis helped me recognize previously invisible biases and barriers operating in my own attitudes and workplace.

Striving to be an ally has enabled more open, fulfilling relationships in my friendships and marriage, removed pressures I felt to conform to traditional masculinity norms, and enriched my capacity for emotional intimacy and vulnerability.

Internalizing principles of equality has made me a better father as I share child-rearing duties equally with my wife. And hearing from more women in public discourse has exposed me to valuable new perspectives.

So while I don’t live feminism perfectly, continually striving to be a better ally has without a doubt made me a happier person and more conscious citizen seeking justice in the world.

Advice for How Men Can Support Feminism

For those men interested in learning how to engage in feminism themselves, here are some top recommendations:

• Listen first – Rather than talking, focus on truly hearing women’s perspectives non-judgmentally.

• Check your privilege – Reflect on gender advantages you may take for granted that distort your assumptions.

• Speak against sexism – Use your voice and influence to call out sexist rhetoric and behaviors by other men.

• Uplift women’s voices – Amplify women’s ideas and achievements publicly; don’t speak for women.

• Educate yourself – Take gender studies classes, read books by women authors, follow feminist voices on social media.

• Examine your own biases – We all absorb subconscious gender biases from society that take effort to recognize and counteract.

• Support women‘s leadership – Advocate for women nominees, fund women candidates, mentor female co-workers.

• Share domestic duties – Take initiative to equally share household and childcare responsibilities.

• Teach our boys – Instill values of gender equality, respect and non-violence in our sons.

• Don‘t expect praise – Allies don‘t demand praise or recognition; the reward is supporting justice.

Men interested in feminism should prepare for ongoing self-reflection and education to thoughtfully contribute to this historic movement for human liberation.

The Future of Male Feminism

While those outside the movement often still view male feminists as odd or threatening, their voices are steadily growing. And this bodes well for a more just and compassionate society.

We still have far to go – from combating rape culture and workplace discrimination to overcoming dismissed and demonized stereotypes of feminism.

But the expanding diversity of men boldly advocating for women’s rights today plants seeds for greater equality tomorrow. Together, we can accelerate social change.

So while labels matter less than action, I‘m proud to call myself a feminist, and invite more men to see how feminism frees us all. The work of inclusion and justice is ongoing, but the liberation it brings is worth the effort.