The Centre for Women’s Studies (CWS) held a special talk on 7th March 2025 in the Seminar Hall of Department of Political science to commemorate International Working Women’s Day. This year’s invited speaker was Bharathi Rachelle Chandran (BRC), who delivered an insightful and thought-provoking presentation on the topic “The Crisis of Masculinity and Its Links to Disability”.
The session explored the intersections between gender, neurodivergence, and masculinity, highlighting how traditional masculine norms often exclude disabled and neurodivergent individuals. The discussion also examined the ways in which hyper-masculinity, political leadership, and societal nostalgia reinforce ableist and exclusionary structures.
Rachelle emphasized that individuals with neurodivergent conditions, such as autism and ADHD, are more likely to challenge traditional gender norms. Studies indicate that neurodivergent people experience higher rates of gender nonconformity, which suggests that rigid gender roles are socially imposed rather than naturally occurring. Rachelle noted that societal expectations of masculinity—rationality, aggression, and independence—can be particularly difficult for neurodivergent men to embody, leading to feelings of alienation and reinforcing the idea of a masculinity “crisis.”
A significant portion of the talk focused on the role of hyper-masculinity in political and social movements. Rachelle analyzed the presidency of Donald Trump as a case study in the idealization of able-bodied strength and aggression. Trump’s rhetoric frequently dismissed vulnerability, mocked disability, and promoted a nostalgic vision of masculinity rooted in dominance.
The presentation connected these ideas to broader right-wing and nationalist movements, where traditional masculinity is upheld as a means of controlling social progress. The glorification of “strong” men and the dismissal of non-traditional masculinity contribute to a violent, exclusionary culture that marginalizes disabled, gender-diverse, and neurodivergent individuals. Ze contrasted Trump’s aggressive masculinity with another evolving model: the rise of technocratic male dominance, represented by figures like Elon Musk and Bill Gates. These men hold power not through traditional masculine traits like physical strength but through control over technology and capital.
Although Musk, for instance, has openly discussed being on the autism spectrum, his public persona still aligns with individualism, competition, and dominance—values that reinforce rather than dismantle patriarchal power structures. The discussion highlighted how technocratic masculinity presents itself as an alternative to hyper-masculinity but ultimately maintains gendered hierarchies in different ways.
A major takeaway from the special talk was how masculinity is often framed as being in “crisis” due to societal progress on gender and disability rights. Chandran argued that this perceived crisis is actually a reactionary backlash against inclusivity. The nostalgia for a past where “real men” were dominant is not just about gender—it is also deeply tied to ableism, racism, and classism. By idealizing an able-bodied, heteronormative version of masculinity, these narratives erase the lived experiences of disabled men, neurodivergent individuals, and gender-nonconforming people.
Bharathi Rachelle Chandran concluded the talk by calling for a redefinition of masculinity—one that moves away from exclusionary and hierarchical models. Ze emphasized the need recognize and validate neurodivergent and gender-diverse identities, and create inclusive spaces where masculinity is not defined by outdated notions of power and dominance.
The session ended with an engaging discussion, where attendees reflected on how workplaces, institutions, and media can contribute to dismantling toxic masculinity and embracing a more inclusive vision of gender and ability. The conference successfully highlighted the urgent need for intersectional discussions on gender, disability, and power, making it a vital contribution to the International Working women’s day.
(Contributed by Lee Tato, Research Scholar, Centre for Women’s Studies)