Modern Masculinity: What does it mean?

from More In Common · host More In Common Podcast

In this episode of More In Common, hosts Gerren Taylor and Keith Richardson sit down with sociologist and systems-change strategist Nicholas Miller to explore the evolving meaning of masculinity in today’s world. Using public conversations around modern masculinity—including ideas popularized by Scott Galloway—as a starting point, the group examines how masculinity has always been shaped by economic systems, social expectations, and access to opportunity. They discuss why narratives around rugged individualism, dominance, and self-reliance no longer serve most men—and never truly served everyone equally. The conversation addresses the growing male loneliness crisis, the misdirection of resentment toward women and immigrants, and why redefining masculinity isn’t about blame—but about reconnection. Rather than offering a single definition, the episode makes space for multiple masculinities rooted in care, accountability, protection, and community. This episode launches a multi-part series exploring masculinity, identity, and what it means to belong in a rapidly changing world. Key Takeaways Masculinity is socially constructed, not biologically fixed There has never been one “correct” way to be a man Economic systems shape identity more than we admit Loneliness is a structural issue, not a personal failure Blame narratives distract from systemic causes Protection, care, and accountability are undervalued masculine traits Redefining masculinity is essential for healthier relationships and communities Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Why Masculinity Is Having a Moment 02:45 – What People Mean When They Say “Masculinity Is Broken” 06:10 – Masculinity as a Social and Economic Construction 10:55 – Rugged Individualism: Who It Served and Who It Didn’t 15:30 – The Male Loneliness Epidemic 19:40 – Why Resentment Gets Misplaced 24:10 – Patriarchy, Feminism, and Misunderstanding Power 28:50 – Multiple Masculinities Across Race and Class 33:20 – Protection vs. Domination 38:10 – Redefining Masculinity Through Connection 42:30 – Why This Conversation Is Just Beginning About the Guest Nicholas Miller is a tenured sociology professor at Sacramento City College, founder of multiple workforce pipeline programs, and co-founder of nationally recognized initiatives supporting justice-impacted students. He is also the founder of Conduits for Change, partnering with organizations to build equity-driven cultures and sustainable community impact. More In Common Website | https://www.moreincommonent.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/moreincommonent Twitter | https://twitter.com/MoreInCommonent Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/moreincommonpod

What this episode covers

In this episode of More In Common, hosts Gerren Taylor and Keith Richardson sit down with sociologist and systems-change strategist Nicholas Miller to explore the evolving meaning of masculinity in today’s world. Using public conversations around modern masculinity—including ideas popularized by Scott Galloway—as a starting point, the group examines how masculinity has always been shaped by economic systems, social expectations, and access to opportunity. They discuss why narratives around rugged individualism, dominance, and self-reliance no longer serve most men—and never truly served everyone equally. The conversation addresses the growing male loneliness crisis, the misdirection of resentment toward women and immigrants, and why redefining masculinity isn’t about blame—but about reconnection. Rather than offering a single definition, the episode makes space for multiple masculinities rooted in care, accountability, protection, and community. This episode launches a multi-part series exploring masculinity, identity, and what it means to belong in a rapidly changing world. Key Takeaways Masculinity is socially constructed, not biologically fixed There has never been one “correct” way to be a man Economic systems shape identity more than we admit Loneliness is a structural issue, not a personal failure Blame narratives distract from systemic causes Protection, care, and accountability are undervalued masculine traits Redefining masculinity is essential for healthier relationships and communities Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Why Masculinity Is Having a Moment02:45 – What People Mean When They Say “Masculinity Is Broken”06:10 – Masculinity as a Social and Economic Construction10:55 – Rugged Individualism: Who It Served and Who It Didn’t15:30 – The Male Loneliness Epidemic19:40 – Why Resentment Gets Misplaced24:10 – Patriarchy, Feminism, and Misunderstanding Power28:50 – Multiple Masculinities Across Race and Class33:20 – Protection vs. Domination38:10 – Redefining Masculinity Through Connection42:30 – Why This Conversation Is Just Beginning About the Guest Nicholas Miller is a tenured sociology professor at Sacramento City College, founder of multiple workforce pipeline programs, and co-founder of nationally recognized initiatives supporting justice-impacted students. He is also the founder of Conduits for Change, partnering with organizations to build equity-driven cultures and sustainable community impact. More In Common Website | https://www.moreincommonent.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/moreincommonent Twitter | https://twitter.com/MoreInCommonent Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/moreincommonpod