The State of Men Study: Our Research, What We Learned, and Why It Matters

The Coven is a network of physical and digital spaces for radical changemakers, many of whom identify as women, non-binary, and trans people. They are creative, progressive folks who are changing their industries, their communities, and our society. Over the years, we’ve also joyfully welcomed more men into The Coven, learning about their experiences with allyship and advocacy as we bear witness to the commitment, intention, and struggle in their efforts.

As strategists and researchers by trade, we noticed that nearly all recent research in the diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) space has focused — understandably and rightfully so — on people who have been historically underrepresented. But as we heard from the men in our community about their experiences with DEIJ initiatives, we were curious to better understand how men across the United States are faring as allies and advocates, especially in the workplace.

Our Approach

To gain a clearer understanding of the current state of male-identifying allies in today’s workplace, our team surveyed more than 2,000 men from around the country. Everyone surveyed said they’re making an intentional effort to advocate and support historically marginalized groups in the workplace — including women, people of color, people who are disabled, and the LGBTQ+ community.

The goal of our research was to define how workplaces today can continue to march towards equity by engaging, or re-engaging, men. Our work was fueled by a few core questions:

• What themes define the current emotional and mental states of men in the United States?
• How engaged are men in allyship right now? How do they demonstrate their engagement?
• How might men become more engaged?
• Is there anything preventing male allies from standing up, speaking up, or taking action in the workplace?

The Results

The majority of the 2,000+ male respondents who participated in The State of Men survey are interested and involved in workplace DEIJ initiatives. Many are active allies and participants in DEIJ conversations.

Feelings of Being Misunderstood and Isolated

Although most survey respondents report feeling confident in their ability to show up as allies — and identify as feminist, antiracist, and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community — when asked what they wish people knew about them, a new narrative emerges.

Over and over, those surveyed said they want others to know they aren’t “scumbags,” “bad guys,” “dangerous,” and “criminals.” Regardless of their background, race, or ethnicity, an overwhelming majority of the men in our study feel misunderstood and misrepresented — and they struggle to find a sense of belonging in conversations about equity and inclusion.

This insight offers a new perspective into the state of men in the workplace. It also raises the concern that many currently engaged advocates and allies are on the verge of burnout, at high risk of becoming disengaged and undoing years of hard-fought progress.

Additionally, although many State of Men respondents report feelings of social isolation in the workplace, they often belong to thriving communities in the form of religious institutions, gyms, neighborhood groups, and parent or gaming clubs. They also report actively — and regularly — reaching out to friends and intentionally build meaningful relationships with people of different races, ethnicities, genders, and sexual identities.

Engaging and Re-Engaging Men at Work

Today, many men are showing up for DEIJ work — but confusion and anxiety have crept in, leading to a listening and learning paralysis.

While they are listening, learning, and showing up, men don’t feel that their voices are welcome in the broader conversation. This unsustainable position threatens the progress we’ve made in encouraging men to join equity efforts as allies and advocates.

The State of Men study isn’t meant to be a story about how hard the world is for men. Rather, it’s an invitation for all workplaces to explore how belonging can be created across great differences. All people need to feel a sense of belonging in order to truly be part of a community — and that’s no less true for men.

The focus of this study is to acknowledge that truly sustainable efforts to create a more equitable future of work must include everyone. We need to allow a margin for error, intentionally cultivate cultures that permit mistakes, do the hard work, and have difficult conversations from a place of compassion.

The very same guiding principles that create healthy and flourishing relationships in our lives apply to the very vulnerable work of advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in the workplace.

Get Insights to Guide Your Workplace

We all have a role to play in creating a more equitable future of work. Our research continues to highlight that many men don’t know what their role is, leading to mental and emotional distress in addition to stalled progress. Findings and recommendations from the full State of Men findings report illuminate new actionable ways for workplaces and leaders to integrate men of all backgrounds into equity work alongside women and people of color.

Interested in learning more? Purchasing a subscription to Empress grants full access to The State of Men research findings, a webinar with the research team, as well as access to additional studies we’ll publish in 2023.

Learn more about subscription-based research services from Empress.