“Masculinity Has Been Neutered” Zuckerberg Shifts Culture at Meta

Meta Platforms is shifting away from DEI initiatives and embracing “masculine energy” instead. While the departure from DEI efforts has been public for a few months, the pivot to masculine energy became clear in Zuckerberg’s interview on the Joe Rogan podcast. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY NETWORK

Zuckerberg Challenges 'Toxic Masculinity' Label

During the podcast, Zuckerberg lamented that masculinity has been labeled as bad and toxic. He also explained how the culture has become hostile to masculinity.

“It’s one thing to say we want to be kind of like welcoming and make a good environment for everyone and I think it’s another to basically say that ‘masculinity is bad,’ and I just think we kind of swung culturally to that part of the – the kind of – the spectrum,” Zuckerberg said on the podcast. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY NETWORK

Meta Embraces Masculine Energy in Corporate Culture

Zuckerberg has stated that it’s still important to provide women with an environment where they can succeed. He has three sisters, a wife, and three daughters, so he has many women in his life. However, he also believes the pendulum has swung too far to the point that masculinity has been neutered in corporations. He’s seeking to change that.

“Masculine energy, I think, is good. Corporate culture was really trying to get away from it…I do think the corporate culture sort of had swung toward [masculine energy] being this somewhat more neutered thing.” Zuckerberg said. filadendron from Getty Images Signature

What Is Masculinity?

In recent years, masculinity has come under increased scrutiny, with terms like "toxic masculinity" drawing attention to harmful stereotypes and behaviors linked to traditional male roles. However, this critical lens has also sparked broader discussions about the positive aspects of masculinity and its evolving role in modern society. Historically, masculinity was celebrated for its contributions to personal development and community strength.

Michael Gurian, in his 1996 book “The Wonder of Boys, offers a balanced perspective, defining masculinity as a blend of "strength, purpose, honor, power, and compassion." He argues that true masculinity is not about dominance but about building a strong sense of self to support others through love, parenting, mentorship, and professional life. Gurian's view encourages a shift from vilifying masculinity to recognizing its potential as a constructive and empathetic force when expressed in healthy ways. Syda Productions

Masculinity’s Role in the Workplace

A renewed emphasis on self-sacrifice for the greater good can lead to men working hard and stimulating competition in the workplace. Men’s aggressiveness and pursuit of power can also lead to more achievements that boost corporate productivity.

The Harvard Business School released research that reveals men want powerful jobs more than women. Men tend to place a greater importance on professional power than women. Zuckerberg believes in bringing back masculine aggression and the unashamed pursuit of powerful corporate positions.

"I think having a culture that celebrates the aggression a bit more has its own merits that are really positive," Zuckerberg mentioned. gilaxia from Getty Images Signature

Zuckerberg and Rogan Talk Martial Arts and Balancing Leadership Energies

In a recent appearance on ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg discussed balancing masculine and feminine energies in the workplace. He highlighted that assertiveness and controlled aggression, paired with empathy, can foster a dynamic corporate culture.

Zuckerberg also shared how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has shaped his leadership style, teaching him discipline, focus, and the importance of strength, resilience, and respect.

These insights align with recent policy shifts at Meta, including changes to diversity initiatives and content moderation, sparking debates on how to balance inclusivity with traditional corporate values. @theoscarhoole via X