Social Psychologist Explores the Roots of Male Misogyny

Social psychologist Otis Fulton recently grappled with his wife Katrina's question about why men seem to resent or even hate women. The query stemmed from two recent incidents that sparked outrage: comedian Shane Gillis’s derogatory remarks on Saturday Night Live and a rape case involving Cornell University fraternity members. While Fulton, who played college basketball at the University of Virginia in the late 1970s, acknowledges the complexity of male behavior, he suggests that misogyny can be rooted in group dynamics where men bond by objectifying women.

Fulton’s reflections draw on his experiences as a member of an exclusive brotherhood of tall young men who competed for status and approval within their basketball team. He notes how these groups often have unwritten rules that members must follow to gain acceptance, sometimes at the expense of outsiders, including women. This dynamic can lead to behaviors like catcalling or making crude sexual comments about women, which serve more as a performance for other men than an actual interaction with women.

The author argues that objectifying women is not just about expressing attraction but also about demonstrating conformity and belonging within male groups. When such behavior garners approval from peers, it can reinforce negative attitudes toward women who do not conform to these expectations. This phenomenon becomes particularly problematic when sexual entitlement enters the picture, leading some men to view rejection as a personal affront rather than an exercise of autonomy.

Fulton’s exploration delves into how societal structures and power dynamics contribute to misogyny. He points out that in many male-dominated groups, women are simultaneously seen as outsiders and sources of validation for masculinity. This paradox can create tension when women assert their agency by rejecting unwanted advances or relationships. The resulting resentment stems from a perceived loss of control over sexual encounters and relationships.

The article also touches on the broader societal implications of these dynamics, particularly in contexts where men feel threatened by women's increasing power and autonomy, such as political participation through voting rights. This can exacerbate existing tensions and fuel further misogynistic attitudes.

Ultimately, Fulton’s analysis highlights the need for a deeper understanding of how social structures and group dynamics influence individual behavior, suggesting that addressing misogyny requires more than just condemning isolated incidents but also transforming the underlying cultural norms that enable such behaviors to persist.