The debate on gender inequality often focuses on obvious issues such as the pay gap, career opportunities or the low proportion of women in technical professions. Research findings from the HER TECH project have already demonstrated on several occasions just how persistent traditional gender roles remain. Around 90% of leadership positions are still held by men.
This inequality not only affects individual life paths or issues of fairness; it is also closely linked to the structures that shape our behaviour. Anyone wishing to understand the economic and social consequences of these structures must therefore consider both sides together: the visible inequality in sectors such as the tech industry and the less obvious costs arising from traditional gender roles. The over-representation of men in tech is not merely a symptom of inequality, but part of a larger system that rewards certain traits such as dominance and competitiveness whilst systematically disadvantaging others.
In Germany, the provocative question “What do men cost?” has recently been explored more frequently. This refers to a sober look at key statistics on health, crime, addiction, road traffic accidents and risky behaviour. A clear pattern emerges here. Men are over-represented in many areas that incur high economic costs. In Germany, these effects amount to at least around 63 to 63.5 billion euros annually. Many indirect costs, such as the long-term psychological consequences for victims of violence or the societal costs resulting from lost educational and employment opportunities, are difficult to quantify precisely. These are figures that not only attract attention but also demand explanations.
A look at the data highlights the scale of the issue. In the area of crime, men account for the overwhelming majority of offenders. Over 90% of prison inmates in Germany are male. This incurs significant costs for the police, the courts and the prison service. A clear imbalance is also evident when it comes to violence. More than 80% of domestic violence is perpetrated by men. Similar patterns can be found in road traffic. Men cause serious accidents significantly more often than women, which results not only in human suffering but also in enormous costs due to medical care, property damage and insurance claims.
Another key area is health. Men are significantly more affected by risky behaviour. For instance, around 75% of alcohol-related deaths are among men. Added to this are higher rates of drug use, risky leisure activities and a generally lower uptake of preventive health services. The consequences are a heavy burden on the healthcare system as well as economic losses due to absenteeism, early retirement and lower life expectancy.
How can these differences be explained? Researchers point to societal role models and their historical development as a key factor. In many cultures, masculinity is still closely linked to traits such as a willingness to take risks, dominance, assertiveness and emotional toughness. Such notions are part of a patriarchal system that has developed over centuries, rewarding certain behaviours and devaluing others. Those who take risks are seen as brave; those who show their feelings are seen as weak. These social expectations often shape behaviour unconsciously, but with measurable consequences.
The consequences are complex. A greater willingness to take risks can manifest itself in road traffic just as much as in the consumption of alcohol or in the use of violence to resolve conflicts. At the same time, the devaluation of caring or emotional openness means that men are less likely to seek help, for example with mental health problems or addiction. This further exacerbates existing risks. The question of whether these patterns are biological constants or socially learned – and therefore fundamentally changeable – is difficult to answer. According to scientists such as Boris von Heesen, however, there is much to suggest that they are predominantly shaped by socialisation within society and by role models.
A look beyond Germany shows that this is not a national phenomenon. In almost all European countries, men dominate crime statistics and prison populations. Higher male mortality due to risky behaviour is also documented across Europe. Data from international organisations such as the WHO show that men die more frequently as a result of alcohol, violence and accidents. The patterns are therefore comparable and point to deeply entrenched cultural structures that extend beyond national borders.
The debate is not about making sweeping generalisations or ignoring individual responsibility. However, a nuanced view makes it clear that this is not about individual people, but about socially conditioned behaviours and their systemic consequences. The shift in perspective lies in not morally condemning these patterns, but in understanding them analytically.
Viewed constructively, this means that if the causes lie in social norms and expectations, then changes in upbringing, education and public communication can have a long-term impact. Programmes for violence prevention, greater promotion of emotional skills or a more conscious approach to risky behaviour could not only reduce individual suffering but also avoid significant economic costs. For gender equality is not merely a question of fairness or moral obligation. It is also an economic issue. Societies that challenge and transform traditional gender roles could become not only more equitable but also more efficient. In the long term, both genders would benefit enormously from this.
Photo: AI generated
