Equimundo’s State of the World’s Men 2025

Understanding Masculinity in a Changing World

Polarizing conversations about masculinities exist in several contexts around the world. In the home, in communities, among friends, in workplaces, and across political landscapes. Over the last 15 years, that around the world, inequitable ideas of gender and masculinities are alive and well and are becoming more, rather than less, entrenched, particularly among young men. The idea that the younger generation will be more gender equitable can no longer be taken for granted.

For boys and men today, what it means to be a man is too often confusing and unclear. As digital platforms become deeply embedded in everyday life men and boys are increasingly pulled into algorithmic tides of misinformation, disinformation, and misogynist content permeating across what is now widely known as ‘the manosphere.’ These trends are fuelling new and deeply harmful forms of violence, both online and offline, that impact women, girls, non-binary individuals, as well as men and boys.

A Pioneering Global Study

Against this backdrop, Equimundo is building on its longstanding International Men and Gender Equality Surveys (IMAGES) to conduct a new flagship State of the World’s Men (SOWM) study. Pioneering in both scope and depth, this study examines contemporary understandings of masculinity and manhood. It explores how men see their roles in society, politics, and family life, their relationship to work in today’s economic climate, and how they experience purpose, connection, care, and violence in relation to themselves and others.

The State of the World’s Men study is designed to understand the lives, experiences, anxieties, relationships, and aspirations of young men and women, online and offline. By asking these questions, we can better understand men’s sense of well-being, mental health, and satisfaction in their personal, professional, economic, and online lives, and tease out any bearing these may have on their political outlook and future aspirations. 

What We’re Learning

In 2025, Equimundo carried out surveys in the United States and the United Kingdom. Findings reveal concerning trends alongside reasons for hope:

• Economic Anxiety is Central
  Men across income levels report constant worry about their financial futures, with economic insecurity cutting to the heart of their sense of self and their self-esteem. Many men feel the “American dream” or its equivalent is out of reach, with home ownership and career fulfilment seeming impossible.
• Restrictive Masculinity Persists
  While definitions of manhood are expanding, adherence to rigid masculine norms, what we call the “Man Box,” remains prevalent and is actually increasing among young men. Men who endorse these restrictive ideals face significantly higher rates of mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation.
• Isolation and Disconnection
  More than 60% of men feel that no one cares if they’re okay, and similar numbers report feeling truly unknown by those around them. Young men in particular express pessimism about romantic prospects, with many believing no one will ever fall in love with them.
• The Online World’s Influence
  Men spend significant time online seeking community, advice, and expression, but are simultaneously exposed to harmful narratives about gender that frame equality as a zero-sum game. This exposure correlates strongly with support for authoritarian politics and anti-democratic views.
• Fatherhood as Purpose
  Despite these challenges, fathers report that caregiving gives their lives profound meaning. More than 80% of fathers say being a dad is the most important job in the world, and they’re twice as likely to report a sense of purpose compared to men without children.
• Political Distrust but Policy Support
  While three-quarters of men don’t believe politicians care about their lives, strong majorities support care policies including paid parental leave, child tax credits, and subsidized childcare. Men want investment in their communities and support to balance work and family life.

Where We’re Studying

Building on completed research in the United States and United Kingdom, in 2026 Equimundo is expanding the State of the World’s Men study to eight additional countries across diverse regions:

• Brazil
• South Africa
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Morocco
• Lebanon
• Turkey
• Australia

This global scope will allow us to understand how cultural, economic, and political contexts shape men’s experiences and chart pathways toward more expansive and equitable masculinities worldwide.

Building Solutions Together

The State of the World’s Men study isn’t just about documenting challenges, it’s about charting a path forward. Our research will inform programs, policies, and conversations that:

• Support men’s mental health and help-seeking
• Promote economic security for all families
• Engage men in equitable caregiving
• Counter harmful online narratives with positive connection
• Build democratic engagement rooted in community care
• Foster healthy, respectful relationships

When we know better, we do better. The State of the World’s Men study is helping us know better, so together, we can build a world where expansive, equitable masculinity isn’t confusing or out of reach, but clear, aspirational, and deeply connected to the well-being of all.

For more information:

• Download the State of American Men 2025 Report
• Download the State of UK Men 2025 Report
• Contact Dr. Taveeshi Gupta if you are interested in learning more: t.gupta@equimundo.org