Why change towards gender equality is glacially slow: Unpacking how men’s ambivalent manoeuvring sustains the masculine status quo
Journal
Human Relations
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2026
Author(s)
Abstract
This paper explores men’s ambivalent relationship to gender equality within the homosocial context of management teams. Analysing ten group discussions with male managers about
increasing women’s representation in executive roles highlights how the male-dominated setting influences their engagement with gender equality. The study uncovers a dynamic, often
conflictual, shift between subject positions across discussions and explores how speakers navigate tensions between hegemonic masculinity and gender equality. Using the concept of
“discursive manoeuvring”, the analysis identifies two key dynamics: first, a transition from ‘hegemonic masculinity’ to ‘benevolent’ and ‘veiled hegemony’, which serves to stabilise the
status quo; second, ongoing efforts to challenge this stability by distancing from hegemonic positions. Because the latter dynamic also remains unstable, both dynamics tend to reinforce
rather than transform the status quo. The findings highlight the importance of collective interactions within management teams to explain men’s ambivalent support for gender
equality. They also demonstrate, both empirically and theoretically, why progress toward gender equality remains glacially slow.
increasing women’s representation in executive roles highlights how the male-dominated setting influences their engagement with gender equality. The study uncovers a dynamic, often
conflictual, shift between subject positions across discussions and explores how speakers navigate tensions between hegemonic masculinity and gender equality. Using the concept of
“discursive manoeuvring”, the analysis identifies two key dynamics: first, a transition from ‘hegemonic masculinity’ to ‘benevolent’ and ‘veiled hegemony’, which serves to stabilise the
status quo; second, ongoing efforts to challenge this stability by distancing from hegemonic positions. Because the latter dynamic also remains unstable, both dynamics tend to reinforce
rather than transform the status quo. The findings highlight the importance of collective interactions within management teams to explain men’s ambivalent support for gender
equality. They also demonstrate, both empirically and theoretically, why progress toward gender equality remains glacially slow.
Language
English
Keywords
Men
homogenous group setting
critical discourse psychology
gender equality
hegemonic masculinity
resistance
change agency
group discussions
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Volume
forthcoming
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Contact Email Address
julia.nentwich@unisg.ch
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Name
26_Nentwich&Steyaert.pdf
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729.81 KB
Format
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