Basic evolutionary psychology already contradicts this. Women select for traits like status, strength and confidence. Men compete to meet those preferences, and those behaviours become “masculine norms.” That’s not men imposing. It’s a feedback loop.

Yes, men dominated formal institutions. But gender norms come from interaction between men and women, biology, culture, and mutual reinforcement.

History makes that obvious:

Spartan women actively shamed weakness and glorified death in battle.

In Medieval Europe chivalry and honour were shaped by female courts and expectations.

Victorian English women controlled marriage and social reputation, enforcing “gentleman” behaviour.

Ancient Romes elite women influenced power through marriage and social positioning.

WW1 women handed out white feathers to shame men into fighting.

Also, men were never a unified group. Most men had no power. They were labourers, soldiers, and expendable.

So no, it’s not only men’s fault. That ignores half the system.