Discrimination against men

Active prejudice towards men
Prejudicial treatment of males

Nature

Discrimination against men arises in certain circumstances in employment, education, public services, and before the law (for example, as regards homosexuals). In the event of divorce the woman is more likely to be granted custody of the children than the man. The segregation of men's and women's work may make it difficult for men to obtain certain kinds of work.

Background

Discrimination against men emerged as a recognized issue in the late 20th century, as scholars and advocacy groups began documenting instances in family law, education, and health. International attention grew with debates on gender parity, highlighting areas where men faced systemic disadvantages. Reports from organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization have since contributed to a nuanced understanding of how discrimination against men manifests globally and its implications for social policy.

Incidence

Discrimination against men manifests globally in areas such as family law, education, health, and employment. In several countries, men face higher rates of workplace fatalities, harsher criminal sentencing, and limited access to parental leave. Educational underachievement among boys and lower life expectancy are also persistent concerns. These patterns are observed across diverse regions, indicating a widespread and systemic issue.
In 2023, the United Kingdom’s Office for National Statistics reported that men accounted for 97% of workplace fatalities, highlighting ongoing gender disparities in occupational safety. This statistic underscores the persistent risks and disadvantages men encounter in certain sectors.

Claim

Discrimination against men is a deeply serious issue that society too often ignores or dismisses. Men face bias in family courts, education, mental health, and even when seeking help for abuse. This double standard perpetuates suffering and inequality, undermining true gender fairness. It’s time we acknowledge that discrimination against men is real, damaging, and deserves urgent attention—ignoring it only perpetuates injustice for everyone. Equality must mean fairness for all, not just some.

Counter-claim

Discrimination against men is not a significant societal problem compared to the systemic and pervasive inequalities faced by women and marginalized groups. While individual men may encounter challenges, these are not rooted in widespread institutional bias. Focusing on so-called “male discrimination” distracts from addressing real, deeply entrenched injustices. Prioritizing this issue undermines efforts to achieve genuine equality and diverts attention from the groups who truly need support and advocacy.