Masculinity Contest Culture in German Startups: A Quantitative Study on Prevalence

Abstract

It is frequently reported that the environments within tech startups are characterized by the celebration of masculine norms and competitive behaviors, which ultimately affect an inclusive work environment and employee well-being. However, there is a lack of sound empirical evidence, including startups in other industries, to substantiate these claims. This study investigates the prevalence of masculinity contest culture (MCC) within German startups through a quantitative analysis involving 101 participants. The Masculinity Contest Culture scale was employed to assess the manifestations of traditional masculine norms related to emotional resilience, physical superiority, workaholism, and aggressive competitiveness. Results show an overall low prevalence of MCC, with no significant differences based on gender perceptions, contradicting previous studies suggesting entrenched masculinity in startups. “Put Work First” emerged as the most prominent dimension, reflecting a persistent culture of work prioritization. This study challenges the stereotype of startup environments as bastions of toxic masculinity. The findings underscore the need for further research to understand cultural factors influencing startup ecosystems and to foster healthier work environments. Future studies should expand sample sizes to validate these findings and enhance generalizability.