I’d like to introduce a term I’ve coined: “Dadosphere”—a way to describe a growing cohort of men who are deeply committed to being good fathers. I created this term as a counterpoint to another term that has gained traction in media and politics: “Manosphere”.
The two concepts could not be more different—in fact, they are almost opposites.
The Dadosphere represents men who:
-
Share parenting responsibilities equally with their female partners.
-
Are dedicated to supporting women, both in their personal lives and in society.
-
Contribute equally to household income while prioritizing family well-being.
-
Oppose the mistreatment of women in any form.
-
Raise their children in a way that fosters emotional health, respect, and environmental consciousness.
-
Reject the idea that masculinity must be aggressive or domineering.
These values stand in stark contrast to the Manosphere, which tends to embrace ideas such as:
-
Men possessing a distinct, powerful “masculine energy” that sets them apart from women.
-
The belief that society should reinforce male dominance over women.
-
The notion that aggression is an acceptable or even necessary trait for men, including in parenting (e.g., “spare the rod, spoil the child”).
-
The view that nurturing children is a sign of weakness; instead, fathers should focus on traditionally “manly” activities such as wrestling, firearms training, and contact sports.
-
An emphasis on male self-sufficiency, sometimes extending to the belief that men are better off avoiding fatherhood altogether.
In my own observations, I see far more evidence of men embracing the Dadosphere than the Manosphere. However, I recognize that my perspective might not capture the full picture. As a psychologist and a proud father of two grown sons—both of whom are now dedicated fathers themselves—I have worked with hundreds of men who prioritize being loving dads, supportive partners, and responsible members of society. I believe they represent the vast majority of fathers today.
But I’d love to hear your thoughts. Here are a few questions to consider:
-
Is “Dadosphere” the right word for this movement?
-
Who exactly makes up the “Manosphere”? Are its members mostly young single men, or are there fathers who subscribe to this worldview?
-
What societal changes are needed to ensure that we continue moving toward a healthier, more inclusive vision of manhood?
Let’s start a meaningful conversation. I welcome all perspectives.