Illustration symbolizing the cultural roots of mass violence.

Unmasking Supremacy Crimes: Why Gender and Culture Matter in Mass Killings

Samir D’Costa in Culture & Society December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A feminist perspective on the hidden roots of violence in America."

In the wake of recurring mass shootings, it's vital to delve deeper than surface-level explanations. The tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and Columbine High School serve as stark reminders of the urgent need to understand the underlying causes of such violence. While discussions often revolve around gun control, mental health, and violent media, a critical perspective often remains overlooked.

Gloria Steinem's 1999 article, "Supremacy Crimes," offers a powerful lens through which to examine these tragedies. Steinem argues that mass killings are not isolated incidents but are rooted in a culture of male supremacy and the societal pressures that perpetuate it. Her work challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about gender, power, and the values that shape our society.

This article analyzes Steinem's arguments using Ralph H. Johnson's theory of manifest rationality, assessing how effectively she builds her case and addresses potential counterarguments. By examining the structure and persuasiveness of Steinem's claims, we can gain a clearer understanding of the complex factors contributing to mass violence and explore potential paths toward prevention.

The Core Argument: Connecting Culture and Violence

Illustration symbolizing the cultural roots of mass violence.

Steinem's central thesis revolves around the idea that mass killings, particularly those committed by white, non-poor men, are driven by a cultural "drug" of superiority. This "drug" is fostered by a male-dominant society that equates masculinity with power, materialism, and control. When individuals feel their dominance threatened or unattainable, they may resort to violence to reassert their perceived superiority.

To support her argument, Steinem presents a demographic profile of American mass killers, highlighting the prevalence of white, non-poor men. She contrasts this profile with media portrayals that often focus on mental instability or individual factors, arguing that these explanations ignore the deeper cultural forces at play.

Demographic Profile: White, non-poor, heterosexual men are overrepresented among mass killers.
Cultural "Drug": Society equates masculinity with power, materialism, and control.
Threat to Dominance: Violence erupts when individuals feel their dominance threatened.

Steinem doesn't dismiss other contributing factors such as mental health issues or access to firearms, but she asserts that the cultural obsession with male supremacy acts as a catalyst, pushing vulnerable individuals toward violence. This perspective challenges us to broaden our understanding of mass killings beyond individual pathology and consider the societal context in which they occur.

Beyond the Surface: A Call for Cultural Transformation

Steinem's analysis, while potentially discomforting, offers a valuable framework for understanding the complex roots of mass violence. By challenging societal assumptions about masculinity and power, she urges us to confront the cultural forces that contribute to these tragedies. While her arguments may not provide all the answers, they serve as a crucial starting point for a deeper, more nuanced conversation about prevention and change. Ultimately, addressing the issue of mass violence requires a fundamental shift in cultural values and a willingness to dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequality and oppression.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/10511431.2018.1504583, Alternate LINK

Title: Analyzing And Judging The Manifest Rationality Of Gloria Steinem’S “Supremacy Crimes”

Subject: Communication

Journal: Argumentation and Advocacy

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Arrington Phillip Keith

Published: 2018-10-11

Everything You Need To Know

What is Gloria Steinem's main argument regarding the causes of mass killings?

Gloria Steinem argues that mass killings are rooted in a culture of male supremacy and societal pressures that perpetuate it. She posits that these acts are not isolated incidents but stem from a deeper cultural issue where masculinity is equated with power, materialism, and control. This perspective suggests that when individuals, particularly white, non-poor men, feel their dominance threatened, they may resort to violence to reassert their perceived superiority. While other factors like mental health and access to firearms may contribute, Steinem emphasizes the significant role of cultural forces.

According to Steinem, what is the 'cultural drug' that contributes to mass killings?

According to Gloria Steinem, the 'cultural drug' is the societal obsession with male supremacy, where masculinity is equated with power, materialism, and control. This cultural conditioning fosters a sense of entitlement and dominance, particularly among white, non-poor men. When individuals feel they cannot attain or maintain this culturally prescribed dominance, it can act as a catalyst, pushing them toward violence as a means to reclaim their perceived status.

How does the demographic profile of mass killers relate to Steinem's argument about male supremacy?

Steinem highlights the demographic profile of American mass killers, noting that white, non-poor, heterosexual men are overrepresented. This demographic aligns with her argument that male supremacy plays a significant role, as these individuals often benefit from a society that equates masculinity with power and dominance. She argues that when these individuals feel their dominance threatened, they may resort to violence to reclaim their perceived superiority. By focusing on this demographic, she challenges explanations that primarily focus on mental instability or individual factors, pushing for consideration of deeper cultural forces.

What kind of cultural transformation does Steinem call for to address the issue of mass violence?

Steinem calls for a fundamental shift in cultural values and a willingness to dismantle the systems that perpetuate inequality and oppression. Addressing the root causes of mass violence requires challenging societal assumptions about masculinity and power. This includes confronting the cultural forces that equate masculinity with dominance and control, and working towards a more equitable society where individuals do not feel the need to assert their superiority through violence. Her analysis urges a deeper, more nuanced conversation about prevention and change, moving beyond surface-level explanations.

What other factors contributing to mass shootings are often discussed, and how does Steinem's argument complement or challenge them?

Discussions around mass shootings often revolve around factors such as gun control, mental health, and the influence of violent media. While not dismissing these elements, Gloria Steinem's 'Supremacy Crimes' argument complements these discussions by adding a crucial layer of cultural context. Steinem suggests that a culture of male supremacy acts as a catalyst, pushing vulnerable individuals toward violence. Her work challenges a sole focus on mental health or individual pathology, advocating for understanding the broader societal values that contribute to these events. By considering the societal obsession with male dominance, her framework encourages more comprehensive prevention strategies that tackle the cultural roots of violence.