Lionel Delgado, sociologist and expert on masculinity: "Fear of failure is the main fuel of machista hatred among young people"

Lionel Delgado, a sociologist specializing in masculinity, has identified fear of failure as the primary driver behind misogynistic hatred among young men. His insights come from his new book, Tristes y salvajes. Políticas del deseo más allá de la manosfera, which critically examines emotions, precarity, and the breakdown of relationships pushing many men toward anti-feminist digital spaces. Delgado’s work draws heavily from both personal experience and research with adolescents through initiatives such as the youth support platform Bréders. Delgado's journey into this field began during his studies in sociology, where he questioned women around him about their experiences with men. Their responses prompted him to reconsider his role as a man, leading to a professional commitment to researching and educating on masculinities, relationships, and hate culture. He argues that traditional approaches to understanding anti-feminist movements, often labeled as "manosphere", are flawed because they reduce complex emotional dynamics to ideological hostility. Instead, he emphasizes the need to listen and understand rather than lecture with theoretical discourse. In a recent interview, Delgado shared how he once found himself close to engaging with anti-feminist online communities. He explained that frustration over failing to find romantic partners, combined with past bullying experiences, led him to explore these spaces. However, a turning point came when he conducted interviews with young women about street harassment. Hearing their stories, many involving sexual misconduct and fear, forced him to confront the normalization of such issues in society. This realization shifted his perspective entirely, moving his focus from ideological analysis to exploring deeper emotional and structural factors. Delgado highlights that current discussions often frame young men's attitudes as simply driven by anger or hatred toward feminism. Yet, he insists there are more nuanced and complex affective layers beneath these surface-level reactions. He points out that in workshops with high school students, he does not encounter clear-cut profiles of anti-feminists, but rather individuals filled with doubts, inconsistencies, and a desire to engage in meaningful dialogue. These observations challenge simplistic narratives and suggest a broader spectrum of positions between extreme views. The sociologist’s approach is rooted in personal experience and empirical research. Having studied philosophy before earning his doctorate in sociology, Delgado brings a multidisciplinary lens to his work. His book builds upon years of engagement with youth, offering a critical examination of desires, vulnerabilities, and the social structures that shape them. By focusing on affect and emotion, he aims to move beyond reductive labels and foster a more inclusive conversation about gender relations. Delgado’s findings underscore the importance of addressing the underlying fears and insecurities that contribute to misogynistic behavior. He advocates for a shift in how society understands and responds to these issues, emphasizing empathy and open dialogue over judgment and confrontation. His work challenges prevailing assumptions and invites a more comprehensive exploration of the emotional landscapes shaping contemporary masculinity. Delgado continues to work with young people through Bréders, aiming to create safe spaces for discussion and reflection. His efforts reflect a broader movement seeking to address the root causes of gender-based violence and discrimination. As his research gains attention, it is expected to influence educational programs and policy discussions aimed at fostering healthier gender dynamics. The sociologist remains committed to exploring the complexities of human emotion and its impact on societal norms.