This conversation explores the Be Manly movement in Croatia, its roots in Catholicism, and the broader context of masculinist movements globally. Anamaria discusses the historical significance of Catholicism in Croatian identity, the influence of global trends on local movements, and the role of media in shaping public perception. The conversation also touches on the counter movements advocating for women's rights and the implications of these developments for Croatian society and politics.
Takeaways
The Be Manly movement is rooted in Catholic traditions.
Catholicism plays a significant role in Croatian identity.
The movement reflects a global trend of masculinist movements.
Media coverage of the movement varies significantly by political alignment.
Public perception of the movement is largely negative, with 75% opposing it.
Counter protests are organized by feminist and LGBTQ+ groups.
The Catholic Church has not publicly commented on the movement.
Media sensationalism affects public trust in journalism.
The birth rate decline is linked to economic factors, not solely cultural shifts.
The normalization of the Be Manly movement raises concerns about future societal changes.
Sources:
Hanžek, Anamaria. 2025. “Mainstreaming Conservative Ideas Through Media Coverage: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Croatian Online Media Reporting on the ‘Be Manly’ Men’s Rights Movement”. Politikon: The IAPSS Journal of Political Science 59 (1). Online:63-87. https://doi.org/10.22151/politikon.12025.3.
Nicholas Zalewski (2023): Let’s Tune In To The EU’s Periphery: “Be Manly” Catholic Mens Group Divides Croatian Society - The New Global Order
