Throughout history, we have seen an evident pattern of men attempting to maintain their dominant position in society.

From political to economic institutions, men have held the upper hand, and women have been left to fight for equal rights and representation. It is no secret that men have opposed change when it comes to dismantling the structures that have allowed them to hold power.

This article explores the science behind men’s opposition and aims to unpack some of the reasons behind this seemingly irrational behavior.

Biological Differences

It is no secret that men and women are biologically different. Men have a higher level of testosterone, which is linked to aggressiveness, dominance, and competitiveness.

This hormonal difference could be the reason why men are more inclined to oppose progressive changes. Studies have shown that men with higher levels of testosterone tend to have more in-group favoritism and are less accepting of out-group members.

If most men hold this instinctive bias, it could explain why they may be less likely to change the status quo.

Threatening Change

Change is not always comfortable. For some people, particularly those who have grown accustomed to the current state of things, change can be threatening.

Men who hold positions of power and influence may feel that their status is in jeopardy when changes are proposed. They may even perceive new policies and initiatives to be an attack on their masculinity and identity. This emotional response can lead to opposition, even when they may not necessarily disagree with the proposed change.

Cognitive Dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is a psychological theory that explains how people deal with conflicting beliefs and values.

In the context of men opposing change, cognitive dissonance may occur when men realize that their current belief system conflicts with the proposed changes. This results in a psychological discomfort that they strive to reduce. One way of resolving this dissonance is by rejecting the proposed change, thus upholding their beliefs and values.

In-Group Bias

In-group bias is a phenomenon where people tend to favor individuals who belong to their group over outsiders. In the case of men opposing change, this bias may play a significant role.

Men who hold positions of power may align themselves with other men and may be more likely to support policies and beliefs that are consistent with their interests. When changes that benefit women, people of color, or any other group that is not seen as “in-group” is proposed, men may be hesitant or even resistant to support such initiatives.

Misinformation

In today’s era of fake news and misinformation, it is not uncommon for people to hold incorrect or biased views.

Men who are opposed to change may hold misconceptions about the proposed changes, making it difficult for them to see the benefits that the change would bring. This can lead to opposition or resistant behavior, even when the proposed change would ultimately benefit everyone.

Emotional Attachment

Men who have grown up in a society that prioritizes male dominance may develop an emotional attachment to the status quo.

They may have internalized societal norms and beliefs, leading them to believe that men should hold positions of power and that women’s rights are secondary. This emotional attachment can be hard to break, leading to opposition and resistance to progressive changes.

Conclusion

The issue of men opposing change is a complex and multifaceted one. Biological, psychological, and societal factors all play a role in this behavior.

Breaking down these barriers will require a concerted effort from all of us to acknowledge and address these biases. Education and awareness can help us recognize and counteract these tendencies, ultimately leading to a more equal society.