21.03.2026
Are new role models needed for men? An ORF documentary explored this question in various countries. In the Philippines, alongside Zeitenspiegel reporter Carsten Stormer.
In a world where the most powerful person, US President Donald Trump, embodies toxic masculinity, an increase in misogyny is not surprising. Girls are confronted with sexualized violence and online hate. Right-wing movements in particular are spreading the old notions of gender roles, and many young men lack alternative role models to look up to.
The Philippines doesn't need a rollback; traditional gender roles are often clearly defined here anyway: men provide the income, women take care of the household and children. However, the majority of the Southeast Asian nation's two million overseas workers are now women. They work as caregivers, domestic helpers, or in the service sector. Many rarely see their families. This is also changing the traditional division of roles.
For the documentary „The Problematic Man. Do We Need New Role Models?“ within the framework of ORF- „Weltweit“ program hosts Isabella Purkart and Zeitenspiegel reporter Carsten Stormer visited Alexander Caiña, a father of four, in the greater Manila area. Since his wife started working in Dubai, he has been responsible for the household and his children. What was a big adjustment at first is now part of his daily routine for the man who, for many years, defined himself by his role as the „family breadwinner.“.
Broadcast date was March 6, 2026 on ORF 2, since then, the doc in the ORF-Media library available.