Is there an emerging Bronaissance era?

Is there an emerging Bronaissance era?

In the summer of 2023, the media declared a crisis of masculinity, sparking a wave of discussions and trends aimed at redefining what it means to be a man in the modern world. This shift, far from a catastrophe, has morphed into a period of transformation and possibility.

The rise of male-centric labels indicates a culture that finds it difficult to interpret masculinity under a singular umbrella. The abundance of these labels signals masculinity trying to find and define itself. This quest for self-discovery has led to the emergence of terms like 'mascuzynity' and 'Cinnamon Roll men', symbolising the sweet, emotionally thoughtful types of men. On the other hand, the sensitive, vulnerable types of men are being labelled as "babygirl men," marking the birth of the soft masculinity movement.

The crisis of masculinity was years in the making, with the #MeToo movement in 2016 being a significant event. This movement, aimed at addressing sexual harassment and abuse, particularly towards women, led to a critical examination of toxic masculinity, patriarchy, and male privilege, becoming a hallmark of cultural discourse.

In response to this crisis, boys and men across the Western world felt heightened loneliness, with men aged 18 to 23 having the lowest levels of social support. This sense of isolation has led to a turn towards toxic masculinity as a coping mechanism, as evidenced by nearly eight in ten 16- to 17-year-old boys in the UK having watched Andrew Tate's content. However, a new breed of influencers, dubbed the 'anti-Andrew Tates,' is emerging online, promoting healthier, more balanced expressions of masculinity.

The concept of modern maleness is being imbued with a certain dynamism and willingness to explore. Alongside emotional changes, there is a movement toward more fluid and reimagined expressions of masculinity in fashion and lifestyle. For example, looser and more comfortable clothing styles are becoming popular, along with tailored shorts for office wear, reflecting a break from rigid sartorial norms traditionally associated with masculinity.

Moreover, there are discussions around modern fatherhood, "new brotherhoods," and alternative male identity groups where men find connection and redefine strength collectively, moving away from isolation within outdated masculine ideals. The era of the Bronaissance, a new phenomenon, is emerging as a result of the crisis of masculinity, with male nannies being hired as role models for young kids.

Even in areas like men’s grooming, trends are moving toward subtle, intimate expressions of identity (e.g., "skin scents" in fragrances), which reflect a softer, less aggressive form of masculinity that values nuance and personal presence. The future of men is uncertain, but for the time being, it looks like a crisis has given way to a period of transformation and possibility.

Supportive masculinity retreats are popping up across the US, offering a safe space for men to explore their emotions, learn about emotional intelligence, and build a community of like-minded individuals. Gen Zers, in particular, are seeking new cultural scripts due to the flux in masculinity and culture, according to Tom Novak, senior behavioral analyst at Canvas8.

In conclusion, the narrative around masculinity in 2025 is shifting from crisis to evolution, with men actively rebuilding what it means to be masculine by valuing vulnerability, emotional intelligence, comfort, and inclusive identity expressions. This shift challenges traditional toxic masculinity norms like "boys don’t cry" and "men must be stoic." Vulnerability is increasingly seen as a strength rather than a weakness, and men are seeking greater emotional safety and mental health support.

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