I’ve always been interested in the way gender shapes our experiences, especially in education. We hear a lot about the challenges women face in school, the workplace, and society in general. And that’s important—there’s no denying the progress that still needs to be made in many areas.
But what we don’t talk about enough is how male students experience bias in higher education. There’s an assumption that men don’t face educational hurdles based on gender, or that if they do, it’s not a big deal.
After all, men still hold a disproportionate number of leadership roles in business and politics. So, how could gender bias be affecting them in college?
Well, it turns out the experience isn’t as simple as people think. Bias doesn’t always show up in obvious ways, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there.
From societal expectations to differences in academic support, male students face challenges that don’t get nearly enough attention.
The Assumption That Male Students Don’t Need Help
Walk into any college campus, and you’ll find plenty of resources for students who need extra support—academic counseling, mentorship programs, scholarships, and mental health services.
These are great initiatives, but there’s an unspoken assumption that male students don’t need them as much.
Why Do People Think Men Have It Easier?
- Society paints men as naturally confident and capable. There’s this idea that they can “figure it out” on their own.
- There’s an assumption that male students are more career-driven and less emotionally vulnerable, so they don’t need as much encouragement.
- When men struggle, it’s often viewed as a personal failing rather than a systemic issue.
Because of these assumptions, male students often don’t get the same level of outreach. No one thinks to ask if they’re falling behind, feeling lost, or struggling to find mentorship.
And because of the way masculinity is traditionally defined, many won’t speak up and ask for help.
Bias in Certain Fields: When Men Are the Minority
We usually talk about gender bias in male-dominated fields like STEM, where women sometimes feel isolated or overlooked. But the same thing happens in reverse.
Education and Nursing: Breaking Stereotypes Is Exhausting
Fields like education, nursing, and social work are overwhelmingly female-dominated. For male students, that can be an isolating experience.
- Feeling like an outsider – When you walk into a classroom and you’re one of the only guys there, it can feel like you don’t belong.
- Constantly having to prove yourself – Male students in these fields often feel like they have to justify their career choice as if it’s strange or suspicious.
- Stereotypes about men and empathy – There’s an unspoken idea that men aren’t as nurturing, which makes some people question whether they’ll be as effective in roles that involve caregiving.
A lot of guys in these fields genuinely love what they do, but fighting against outdated stereotypes every day can be exhausting.
The Humanities and Social Sciences: Different Perspectives, Different Treatment
Men in fields like psychology, sociology, or literature often run into a different kind of bias. Many of these subjects focus on discussions about gender, identity, and power dynamics.
And while these conversations are important, some male students feel like their perspectives are less welcome.
- Being hesitant to speak up – Some guys worry that sharing their opinions will be misinterpreted as “mansplaining” or being dismissive of gender issues.
- Higher scrutiny on their viewpoints – When discussing topics like feminism or gender roles, male students often feel they have to tread carefully.
- Feeling like an outsider in class discussions – Some report that their perspectives are brushed aside or challenged more aggressively than those of their female classmates.
It’s ironic—universities are supposed to encourage open discussions, but sometimes, male students feel like they have to be extra cautious about what they say.
The Silent Pressure to Succeed Without Struggle
College is tough for everyone. But for male students, there’s often an extra layer of pressure that isn’t always obvious.
Mental Health Struggles: Why Don’t More Men Seek Help?
Mental health is finally becoming a bigger conversation on college campuses, which is great. But there’s still a major gap when it comes to how men experience it.
- Male students are less likely to seek counseling, even when they’re struggling.
- Depression and anxiety in men can look different than it does in women. Instead of expressing sadness, it might come out as irritability, withdrawal, or even reckless behavior.
- The pressure to appear strong keeps many men from admitting they need support.
It’s not that guys don’t struggle—it’s that they’ve been taught to hide it.
The “Tough It Out” Mentality in Academics
A lot of male students won’t ask for help in their studies, even when they need it. The expectation to be independent and self-sufficient makes it harder for them to:
Instead, they try to figure things out on their own—even when that means falling behind.
Bias in Grading and Classroom Perceptions
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Most professors and instructors don’t consciously treat students differently based on gender. However unconscious bias is tricky, and it can show up in subtle ways.
Different Expectations Based on Gender
- A quiet male student might be seen as disengaged, while a quiet female student is viewed as “thoughtful.”
- A male student who speaks up confidently may be labeled arrogant, while a female student might be praised for “assertiveness.”
- In group projects, male students often feel pressured to take on leadership roles—even if they don’t want to.
These small differences add up. They can affect how students are graded, how they’re perceived by their peers, and how they engage in the classroom.
What Needs to Change?
Bias in education isn’t always intentional, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. There are things that universities, professors, and even students can do to create a more balanced learning environment.
Professors Should Actively Check for Bias
- Pay attention to which students get called on the most—subtle patterns may emerge.
- Offer encouragement to all students, not just those who seem to need it the most.
- Be aware of how different behaviors are perceived based on gender.
Mental Health Support Should Be More Inclusive
- Normalize counseling services for all students, including men.
- Offer different types of support, not just one-on-one therapy (peer groups, mentorship programs, etc.).
- Actively reach out to male students instead of waiting for them to seek help.
More Support for Men in Non-Traditional Fields
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- Create spaces where men in nursing, education, and humanities feel welcome.
- Highlight successful men in these fields to challenge outdated stereotypes.
- Encourage professors to be mindful of biases that might make male students feel like outsiders.
Final Thoughts
Gender bias in higher education isn’t just about women—it’s about fairness for everyone. Male students face unique struggles, and pretending they don’t exist helps no one.
Addressing bias doesn’t mean taking resources away from women. It means recognizing that different students face different challenges and making sure that support is available to everyone.
At the end of the day, college should be a place where all students—regardless of gender—have the opportunity to succeed. And that starts with having conversations that go beyond the usual narratives and actually acknowledge the full picture.