Toxic masculinity refers to a perspective that takes behaviors, traits, and norms considered traditionally and stereotypically masculine to an extreme (Edwards, 2020). These socially regressive masculine notions foster domination, forced heterosexuality, homophobia, the devaluation of women, and more (Kupers, 2005). The term is strongly tied to patriarchy and cultural backgrounds can play a role in perceiving masculinity (Jayawardena, 2022).
Framing & Perspectives
Toxic masculinity is about being a ‘real’ man and conforming to hegemonic traits, such as physical strength, mental toughness, bravery, dominance, ambition, competitiveness, and similar ones that are associated with being a strong and resilient man (Zega et al., 2024). This proposes a strict mold that men are expected to follow from a very young age. It can limit their authenticity and personal growth. The perspective is reflected in various ways, discouraging men from portraying emotions, seeking psychotherapeutic help, and even minute everyday habits such as using skincare products (Kupers, 2006, Zega et al., 2024). Culture is also a relevant aspect in the perception of masculinity and expected behaviors, as different cultures might emphasize distinct hegemonic traits.
The term was coined in the 1980s by Shepherd Bliss. He introduced it to characterize his father’s militarized, authoritarian masculinity. It resulted from the 20th century men’s movement which spread to therapeutic and social policy settings at the beginning of the 21st century (Harrington, 2020). Since 2013, feminists have linked misogyny, homophobia, and men’s violence to toxic masculinity (Harrington, 2020).
Launched in 2014 by Bank Ki-moon and Emma Watson, the HeForShe movement aims to abolish gender-based violence by converting toxic masculinity into positive masculinity. This large movement has been very influential, connecting 2 million activists worldwide who initiate over 3 billion conversations about gender equality each year (UN Women, 2024). The #Metoo movement is another significant one that provides a voice and support to women who have experienced sexual assault (Global Fund for Women, 2022). It sheds light on the issues of men in power, the objectification of women, and sometimes the glorification of sexual violence as a result of toxic masculinity. Furthermore, the American Psychological Association published guidelines for dealing with men and boys who exhibit ‘traditional masculinity’ in 2019, noting the toll on mental health this perspective can have, and why it is crucial to work with men through a gender-aware lens (Pappas, n.d.).
Makhanya (2023) claims that positive or healthy masculinity contends that men can embody certain hegemonic traits and, at the same time, show emotions, cry, take care of their skin, and their mental health whenever they want to. It’s about making vulnerability and the lack of the hegemonic traits acceptable. Positive masculinity is beneficial in eliminating different kinds of violence and prejudice against women and the LGBTQ community. The perspective promotes a peaceful approach taking into consideration the well-being of everyone. It highlights respect for all genders, the appreciation for different types of male appearances, as well as the importance of honesty, emotional expression, and openness (Mahkanya, 2023).
Relevance
It’s important to remember that masculinity itself is not toxic, but rather enforces harmful behaviors and conforms to traditional gender roles that can bring a plethora of negative consequences to all genders. Overused terms such as ‘boys don’t cry’ and ‘boys will be boys’ hold detrimental connotations that we need to be mindful of. Increased awareness of and education about these issues, as well as reinforcing healthy or positive masculinity is necessary. It’s also the direction many initiatives take – aiming to decrease the prevalence of toxic masculinity in society.
Keywords: Anti-Feminism, Benevolent Sexism, Hegemonic Traits, Homophobia, Patriarchy, Sexism
Connected terms: Hostile Sexism, Bropropriating, Cisgender, Gender-Based Violence, Incel, Manspreading, Classical Feminisms, Waves of Classical Feminisms, Benevolent Sexism, Internalized Sexism
References
Edwards, S. (2020). Toxic Masculinity: Roots, Reality, and Breaking the Cycle.
Global Fund for Women (2022).‘Me Too’ Global Movement – What is the ‘Me Too” Movement
https://www.globalfundforwomen.org/movements/me-too/
Harrington, C. (2020). What is “Toxic Masculinity” and Why Does it Matter? Men and Masculinities, 24(2), 1097184X2094325-1097184X2094325.https://doi.org/10.1177/1097184×20943254
Jayawardena, U. (2022). What is Toxic Masculinity and How Does Culture Contribute to it? Medium. https://udarajay15.medium.com/what-is-toxic-masculinity-and-how-does-culture-contribute-to-it-39bf70054974
Kupers, T. A. (2005). Toxic masculinity as a barrier to mental health treatment in prison. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61(6), 713–724. doi:10.1002/jclp.20105
Makhanya, M. T. B. (2023). Causes and Consequences of Toxic Masculinity: Can HeForShe Be a Solution for Gender-Based Violence?
Pappas, S. (n.d.). APA issues first-ever guidelines for practice with men and boys. https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/01/ce-corner
UN Women (2024) HeForShe Alliance Impact Report 2024 Launch, HeForShe. Available at: https://www.heforshe.org/en/heforshe-alliance-impact-report-2024-launch#:~:text=Today%20HeForShe%20has%20connected%20over,about%20gender%20equality%20every%20year.%E2%80%9D
Zega, O. D. K., Koritelu, P., & Murwani, P. (2024). Fighting Stereotypes: Expressions of Femininity in Public Spaces and the Challenge of Toxic Masculinity. Baileo: Jurnal Sosial Humaniora, 2(1), 18-26.
