Men are threatened by female bosses because it makes them feel unmanly

From Dr Bailey in Grey’s Anatomy to Olivia Pope in Scandal, many films and TV films feature female bosses. 

Now, a study has revealed how men react to senior women in the real world. 

Researchers from the University of Kaiserslautern–Landau, Germany, have found that many men feel threatened by female bosses. 

That’s because it makes them feel ‘unmanly’, according to the experts. 

For the study, the researchers analysed 123 experiments involving almost 20,000 men. 

Across all the studies, the researchers found a common theme: when men doubt their masculinity, it alters their emotions, behaviour, and attitudes. 

‘Men feel their masculinity is threatened when they are told they are less assertive, dominant, or “masculine” than others,’ the team explained. 

‘They may also experience these reactions when they find themselves to be subordinate to a woman who clearly takes the lead or when they are expected to perform tasks considered “unmanly.”‘

For the study, the researchers set out to understand how and when men react to situations in which their masculinity is called into question. 

The team systematically organised and analysed 123 experiments, including a total of 19,448 men. 

For the analysis, the team distinguished between triggers, internal responses (emotions), and compensatory reactions (such as overtly stereotypical masculine behaviour). 

The results revealed a ‘robust and detectable’ effect – when men doubt their masculinity, it measurably alters their emotions, self–image, behaviour, and attitudes.

Sven Kachel, co–author of the study, explained: ‘The effects are surprisingly strong when men conclude that they do not conform to the masculine ideal – stronger than when they receive external feedback.

‘Especially when others are present, the pressure to present oneself as masculine increases.’

In terms of their reactions, the study found that experiences of threat can lead to short–term emotional distress – including anxiety, stress, discomfort, or anger. 

Externally, these emotions lead to risk–taking, aggression, disparaging other groups, and stronger endorsment of traditional, male–dominated social structures. 

‘Examples include advocating for traditional gender roles, sexually harassing women, and denying rights to sexual minorities,’ the team explained. 

While these behaviours might make men feel better in the short–term, in the long–term, they can harm the men themselves, the researchers warn. 

Another key finding of the study is that men feel their masculinity is threatened when they are told they’re less dominant than others. 

This includes in response to a female boss, or when given orders from another man they consider less manly.  

‘Our study results have social relevance,’ said Lea Lorenz, co–author of the study.

‘Threats to masculinity can burden men and have negative effects on their environment. 

‘For example, it can promote aggressive, risky, or discriminatory behavior. 

‘It can also shift voting behavior toward hardline, authoritarian politics.

‘Understanding when such threats arise and what intensifies or mitigates them can help reduce conflicts, discrimination, and social tensions.’