Why does Mark Zuckerberg want more ‘masculine energy’ in the corporate world? The patriarchy is still in charge

Patriarchy is a hegemonic system, meaning that men being in a more powerful position than women is accepted by both as 'the natural order of things'. It is also bolstered by views on race and ability that hold white, rich, able-bodied men at the top

Mark Zuckerberg must know that it is possible for masculinity to be composed of things other than aggression — but perhaps he needs reminding. File photo: AP/David Zalubowski

Out of Mark Zuckerberg’s three-hour interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast, one comment stood out to me. The Meta CEO said that large companies needed more “masculine energy”, because the corporate world was becoming “culturally neutered”.

“I think having a culture that celebrates the aggression a bit more has its own merits that are really positive,” he told Rogan. After the interview, numerous commentators rushed to accuse the Meta CEO of toxic masculinity, and of having a “toxic revamp”.