By Luna Lee
Abstract
This paper examines how toxic masculinity manifests in right-wing political rhetoric and policy and its impact on voter behavior and gender dynamics in political participation. Toxic masculinity, characterized by the reinforcement of traditional gender roles and aggressive leadership, appeals to voters threatened by social change and discourages female and non-conforming participation, thereby deepening gender divides in politics and shaping views on power and authority. Utilizing recent examples from U.S. elections and political discourse, this study explores the role of toxic masculinity in shaping political landscapes and its implications for democratic engagement.
Thesis
Toxic masculinity in right-wing political rhetoric reinforces traditional gender roles and promotes aggressive leadership. This appeals to voters who feel threatened by social change while discouraging female and non-conforming participation. As a result, it deepens gender divides in politics and shapes views on power and authority.
Introduction
Toxic masculinity refers to cultural norms that equate masculinity with dominance, aggression, and the suppression of emotions. It is deeply ingrained in political rhetoric, particularly within right-wing discourse, which often glorifies toughness, strength, and traditional gender roles. This paper explores how toxic masculinity influences voter behavior and gender dynamics in political participation. Through an analysis of right-wing rhetoric in recent elections, particularly the 2024 U.S. presidential race, we will examine how these ideals shape political affiliations, influence policy decisions, and affect the broader landscape of democracy.
Toxic Masculinity in Right-Wing Political Rhetoric
Right-wing political figures frequently employ rhetoric that embodies toxic masculinity, presenting themselves as “alpha males” who can restore order and defend traditional values. The 2024 U.S. presidential election provided a prime example of this phenomenon. Donald Trump’s campaign repeatedly used language that reinforced hyper-masculine ideals, portraying him as a strong leader in contrast to his opponent, whom his supporters framed as weak and unfit to lead.
In a campaign rally, Trump stated: “We don’t need weak people running our country. We need strong men who will stand up and fight” (CNN, 2024). This type of rhetoric not only establishes a gendered hierarchy but also alienates women and non-conforming individuals by associating leadership with traditional masculinity.
Right-wing media outlets also played a role in spreading these ideals. Figures such as Tucker Carlson and Andrew Tate used their platforms to argue that the rise of feminism and progressive gender norms has led to a decline in male dominance and authority. Carlson, in a Fox News segment, claimed: “Men are being stripped of their power, and the left wants to create a nation of weak, feminized leaders” (Fox News, 2024). Such statements not only promote toxic masculinity but also fuel resentment among male voters who feel disempowered by shifting gender dynamics.
Impact on Voter Behavior
Toxic masculinity influences voter behavior by appealing to individuals who perceive traditional gender roles as under threat. Studies show that men who adhere to hegemonic masculinity are significantly more likely to support right-wing candidates. A study published in Politics & Gender found that men who endorse traditional masculine norms were more likely to vote for Trump in both 2016 and 2020, even when controlling for factors such as party affiliation and socioeconomic status (Deckman & Cassese, 2019).
In the 2024 election, the impact of toxic masculinity on voter behavior was evident in the shifting demographics of Trump’s support base. Reports indicated a notable increase in support from young male voters, influenced by online communities that glorify hyper-masculinity. The New York Post noted: “Democrats’ disdain for young men backfired in 2024, as Trump capitalized on new media and turned Gen Z red” (New York Post, 2025). This shift underscores how rhetoric emphasizing male strength and traditionalism can mobilize certain voter blocs.
Women voters, however, largely rejected this rhetoric. Exit polls from the 2024 election indicated a significant gender gap, with female voters overwhelmingly supporting Democratic candidates. According to The Guardian, “Women have increasingly distanced themselves from right-wing politics, as the GOP continues to embrace a vision of leadership that marginalizes their role in society” (The Guardian, 2024). This divide highlights how toxic masculinity not only shapes voter preferences but also reinforces gender-based political polarization.
Gender Dynamics in Political Participation
The influence of toxic masculinity extends beyond voter behavior and into broader political participation. By promoting aggressive leadership and undermining female and non-conforming individuals, right-wing rhetoric creates a political environment that discourages diverse participation.
The resurgence of “alpha male” leadership styles has led to an increase in backlash against women in politics and business. Prominent figures such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have embraced hyper-masculine personas, with Business Insider reporting that “America’s girlbosses are fed up with the return of aggressive male leadership” (Business Insider, 2025). This cultural shift affects political participation by creating an atmosphere in which women and gender-nonconforming individuals face greater obstacles to leadership.
Moreover, the prevalence of toxic masculinity in political discourse has contributed to an increase in harassment and intimidation of female politicians. A 2023 study by the Center for American Women and Politics found that female candidates receive significantly more online threats than their male counterparts, a trend exacerbated by right-wing rhetoric that portrays them as weak or incompetent (CAWP, 2023). Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democratic congresswoman, has spoken openly about the misogynistic attacks she faces, stating: “When right-wing leaders encourage aggressive masculinity, they empower their followers to harass and demean women in politics” (Ocasio-Cortez, 2023).
Case Study: The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election
The 2024 election provides a case study in how toxic masculinity manifests in right-wing politics. Trump’s campaign consistently employed rhetoric that framed him as a dominant, masculine figure, while portraying Joe Biden as weak and ineffective. This strategy resonated with male voters who felt disempowered by social changes, leading to a significant increase in Trump’s support among young men.
Political analysts have noted that Trump’s success in mobilizing this demographic was fueled by online influencers who promote traditional masculinity. Figures such as Jordan Peterson and Andrew Tate gained prominence among conservative men, advocating for a return to traditional gender roles. As Tate stated in an interview: “Weak men have no place in leadership. We need real men to take back control” (Tate, 2024). Such statements reinforce the idea that leadership and masculinity are inherently linked, further marginalizing women in political spaces.
Additionally, policy decisions during Trump’s campaign reflected his adherence to toxic masculinity. His stance on abortion, for example, was framed as a defense of traditional family structures, with campaign ads stating: “A strong nation starts with strong families” (Trump Campaign, 2024). This rhetoric not only appealed to conservative voters but also reinforced the idea that male leadership is essential for societal stability.
Conclusion
Toxic masculinity in right-wing political rhetoric reinforces traditional gender roles and promotes aggressive leadership, appealing to voters who feel threatened by social change while discouraging female and non-conforming participation. This dynamic deepens gender divides in politics and shapes societal views on power and authority. The 2024 U.S. presidential election demonstrated how these themes influence voter behavior, particularly among young men, while alienating women and progressive voters.
Addressing the influence of toxic masculinity in politics requires a concerted effort to challenge traditional gender norms and promote inclusive leadership. By fostering political environments that value diverse perspectives, we can work towards a more equitable and representative democracy.
References
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Deckman, M., & Cassese, E. (2019). Gendered Nationalism and the 2016 US Presidential Election: How Party, Class, and Beliefs about Masculinity Shaped Voting Behavior. Politics & Gender.
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Schermerhorn, N. E., & Vescio, T. K. (2021). Hegemonic masculinity predicts 2016 and 2020 voting and candidate evaluations. PubMed.
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The Guardian. (2024). This tight race is, in part, about sexist backlash. But feminists can lash back, too.
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New York Post. (2025). Democrats' disdain for young men backfired in 2024 - as Trump capitalized on new media and turned Gen Z red.
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Business Insider. (2025). Musk, Bezos, and Zuck are going full alpha male. America's girlbosses are fed up.
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Center for American Women and Politics. (2023). Online Harassment of Female Politicians: A Growing Threat.
