Male Privilege

Definition

Male privilege is the system of advantages within our society, granted to men* purely based on their gender. This doesn’t mean men don’t experience hardship, and a man’s access to these benefits may vary depending on how they match up to society’s masculine norms, however, this does mean there is an enduring system of power. This benefits males at the expense of other genders.

*Although while all men benefit, they don’t all benefit equally. For example, there is cis gender privilege, white privilege, hetro privilege and more.

Male privilege looks like...

Being more likely to be hired, paid more, and promoted Having an active sex life doesn’t make men undesirable

Not being expected to adhere to beauty ideals to be respected, e.g., Shaving or wearing make up

Being able to walk home alone, at nighttime without fear of being assaulted or attacked

Not being expected to do housework

What can you do with your male privilege?

Keep learning. Continue to learn and understand how you are benefitting from society so you can use your privilege to help the oppressed.

Speak up! Call out injustice in all spaces, physical and online. Be an active advocate not just when it happens, but all the time.

Call out your friends. You can’t be an ally or call yourself a feminist if you allow sexist, racist, homophobic behaviours to happen around you.

Make Change. Bring women or anyone disadvantaged into spaces they are usually excluded and deprioritized from.