Fact Check: protecting women and girls is a common sexist tactic and men also need protection

The Claim: "Protecting women and girls is a common sexist tactic and men also need protection"

Introduction

The claim that "protecting women and girls is a common sexist tactic and men also need protection" suggests a complex interplay between gender roles, societal expectations, and the motivations behind protective behaviors. This assertion raises questions about the implications of paternalism in gender dynamics and whether the narrative of male protection is genuinely beneficial or inherently sexist.

What We Know

1. Paternalism and Sexism: Research indicates that paternalistic attitudes towards women can manifest in both benevolent and hostile forms of sexism. Benevolent sexism often involves a protective stance towards women, which can reinforce traditional gender roles and the perception of women's inferiority 2.

2. Men's Motivations: A study by Good et al. (2016) suggests that while some men may confront sexism to promote egalitarian goals, others may do so out of a paternalistic desire to protect women, which paradoxically may reinforce existing gender hierarchies 1.

3. Need for Protection: The notion that men also need protection is echoed in discussions about gender-based violence, where both men and women can be victims. This perspective emphasizes that violence and victimization are not gender-exclusive 4.

4. Critique of Male Protection: Some sources argue that the narrative of men as protectors is flawed and can perpetuate harmful dynamics. For instance, it has been suggested that men often fail to defend women in situations of conflict, thereby reinforcing the systems that contribute to gender-based violence 7.

5. Context of Gender-Based Violence: Gender-based violence is a significant issue affecting individuals of all genders, and educational initiatives often focus on the importance of addressing root causes and promoting equality 5.

Analysis

The claim in question is multifaceted and can be analyzed through various lenses.

• Source Reliability: The sources cited range from peer-reviewed journal articles 123 to opinion pieces 7910. Peer-reviewed articles generally provide more reliable information due to their rigorous review processes, while opinion pieces may reflect personal biases and should be approached with caution.

• Bias and Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, particularly those from platforms like Medium, may carry inherent biases based on the authors' perspectives. For example, the article titled "The Lie of Male Protection" critiques the protective narrative, suggesting that it can perpetuate harm rather than alleviate it 7. This viewpoint may resonate with feminist critiques of traditional gender roles but could also reflect a specific ideological stance.

• Methodological Concerns: While studies like those by Good et al. offer empirical insights into men's motivations, the methodologies employed in such studies should be scrutinized. For instance, the sample size, demographic diversity, and the context of the studies can significantly impact the findings and their applicability to broader populations.

• Contradicting Views: There are also arguments that highlight the importance of male involvement in combating gender-based violence, suggesting that men can play a positive role in promoting safety and equality 3. This perspective contrasts with the critique of male protection as inherently sexist, indicating a divide in how these roles are perceived.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "protecting women and girls is a common sexist tactic and men also need protection" is partially true, as it reflects a nuanced understanding of gender dynamics. Evidence suggests that paternalistic attitudes can reinforce traditional gender roles, which may be viewed as sexist. Studies indicate that some men may engage in protective behaviors out of a desire to uphold these roles rather than promote equality. Additionally, the acknowledgment that men can also be victims of violence adds complexity to the discussion, highlighting that the need for protection is not gender-exclusive.

However, the assertion is not entirely straightforward. The motivations behind protective behaviors can vary significantly among individuals, and some men actively work to challenge harmful gender norms. Furthermore, the sources used to analyze this claim include both empirical studies and opinion pieces, which may introduce biases and limit the generalizability of findings.

It is important to recognize the limitations of the available evidence, as the interplay of gender roles and protective behaviors is influenced by cultural, social, and individual factors that are not fully captured in existing research. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when engaging with complex social issues like gender dynamics.

Sources

1. Good, J. J., et al. (2016). Feminist or Paternalistic: Understanding Men's Motivations to Confront Sexism. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6978718/
2. Barreto, M. (2022). Benevolent and hostile sexism in a shifting global context. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9717569/
3. Van Laar, C. (2024). MANdatory - why men need (and are needed for) gender equality. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10940445/
4. Al-li-ance. (2015). He Versus She: Should Men Be the Protectors of Women? Megaphone. https://megaphone.southwestern.edu/2015/10/04/he-versus-she-should-men-be-the-protectors-of-women/
5. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Tips for Youth to Prevent Gender-Based Violence and Inequality. https://www.gov.nl.ca/vpi/tips-and-tools/tips-for-youth-to-prevent-gender-based-violence-and-inequality/
6. Psychology Today. (2021). The Insecurity That Drives Misogynists. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/finding-new-home/202108/the-insecurity-drives-misogynists
7. Dominic, P. (2021). The Lie of Male Protection: Why Men Fail to Defend Women from Other Men. Medium. https://medium.com/moving-forward-with-hope/the-lie-of-male-protection-why-men-fail-to-defend-women-from-other-men-5b2b8b728361
8. We Survive Abuse. (2025). 10 Reasons Men Invading Women's Spaces—No Matter How They Identify—Is Abusive, Misogynistic, Gynophobic, and Sexist. https://wesurviveabuse.com/2025/03/10-reasons-men-invading-womens-spaces-no-matter-how-they-identify-is-abusive-misogynistic-gynophobic-and-sexist/
9. Dominic, P. (2021). What Are Men Protecting Women From? Medium. https://medium.com/womenmustwrite/what-are-men-protecting-women-from-431ad4bc9fb9
10. Your Tango. (2021). Can We Please Stop Saying Men Are Protectors Of Women? https://www.yourtango.com/love/can-we-please-stop-saying-men-are-protectors-of-women