The Commons: Feminism Is the Consequence of the ‘Man Problem,’ Not Its Cause
Readers respond to our June 2026 cover story and more.
TL;DR
- Helen Lewis argues that the noisy misogyny of the MAGA right is no longer fringe and poses a danger to women.
- Scholars Valerie M. Hudson, Donna Lee Bowen, and Perpetua Lynne Nielsen's research shows that nations that subordinate women tend to be more fragile, autocratic, corrupt, and impoverished.
- Their work suggests that the subordination of women produces governance that leads to worse outcomes for everyone, and the sexual political order shapes broader community politics.
- Responses to Lewis's article included concerns from grandfathers, middle-aged men feeling overlooked, and parents worried about what their sons watch online.
- Potential 2028 presidential contenders like Gavin Newsom and Pete Buttigieg are addressing men's problems and masculinity in public forums.
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has highlighted pressures on young men regarding unrealistic beauty standards.