Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present contrasting visions of masculinity, reflecting broader cultural divides in the 2024 race.
The 2024 US presidential election is increasingly defined by competing narratives on masculinity. While Kamala Harris’s campaign avoids overt gender messaging, the issue of masculinity is central to the contrast between her and her Republican rival, Donald Trump. This battle over gender roles is reflective of the broader cultural divides shaping American politics today.
At the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump’s image was reinforced by a display of traditional masculinity. Retired pro wrestler Hulk Hogan’s dramatic entrance, ripped shirt, and Trump-Vance tank top symbolized strength and resilience. Tucker Carlson’s focus on men’s health issues, like declining testosterone levels, and the appearance of UFC CEO Dana White Jr. underscored Trump’s alignment with a robust, warrior-like masculinity. The energetic and combative atmosphere, including chants of “Fight, fight, fight!” and James Brown’s “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” highlighted Trump’s appeal to a vision of masculinity rooted in dominance and traditional gender roles.
JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, further reinforces this traditional view with his pro-natalist stance and critical remarks about women who choose not to have children. His characterization of Kamala Harris and other Democrats as “childless cat ladies” contrasts sharply with his own family-oriented persona. The Trump-Vance campaign promotes a vision of masculinity tied to strength, control, and traditional family roles.
In contrast, Kamala Harris’s campaign emphasizes a more modern and inclusive approach to gender. While Harris herself does not focus heavily on gender in her campaign, her allies and campaign narrative challenge traditional masculinity norms. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff exemplify this “tonic masculinity” — a term coined to represent a positive shift away from toxic masculinity towards traits such as empathy and support for gender equality.
Walz’s background as a high school teacher, military service, and his role as a supportive partner to Harris highlight a more inclusive vision of masculinity. His experiences and personal struggles with infertility, along with his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, reflect a softer, more empathetic masculinity that contrasts with the traditionalist view of the Trump campaign.
The 2024 election highlights a stark gender divide. Polls show a clear preference for Harris among women and for Trump among men, particularly younger voters. This divide is indicative of broader societal anxieties about changing gender roles and the impact of feminist movements on traditional notions of masculinity.
Richard Reeves’s analysis in “Of Boys and Men” points to growing disparities between men and women in various socio-economic indicators, suggesting that while women have made significant progress, many men are struggling. This sense of disenfranchisement and the perception of masculinity under threat contribute to the appeal of Trump’s traditionalist rhetoric.
Trump’s campaign has tapped into the manosphere — online communities that advocate for traditional masculinity and often oppose feminist ideas. This approach continues from his 2016 campaign, focusing on grievances among white males and promising to restore a sense of traditional male dominance.
Conversely, Harris’s campaign highlights issues such as reproductive rights and gender inclusivity, appealing to voters who support progressive gender policies. This focus on empathy and support for diverse gender roles is aimed at mobilizing voters who are concerned with contemporary issues of equality and representation.
The gender debate in the US contrasts with experiences in other countries. Many Northern European nations with female leaders have managed gender transitions more smoothly, and in developing countries, female leaders often follow in the footsteps of male predecessors. In the US, however, rapid changes in gender roles create a sense of instability and cultural conflict.
As Christine Emba notes, the US is experiencing a unique and intense version of this global issue, reflecting a broader struggle over gender identity and roles in a rapidly changing world.
The 2024 election encapsulates a broader cultural struggle over masculinity and gender roles. As Harris and Trump present diverging visions of masculinity, voters are faced with a choice that reflects deeper societal shifts and anxieties. The outcome will likely hinge on how well each campaign resonates with voters’ perceptions of gender, identity, and the future of American society.
