The phrase emphasises the worst aspects of stereotypically masculine attributes. Toxic masculinity is represented by qualities such as violence, dominance, emotional illiteracy, sexual entitlement, and hostility to femininity.
A study in the Journal of School of Psychology uses the following definition to explain toxic masculinity: “the constellation of socially regressive [masculine] traits that serve to foster domination, the devaluation of women, homophobia, and wanton violence.”
It has roots in the archaic traditional masculine values such as physical strength in order to conquer through dominance. Toxic masculinity glorifies unhealthy habits. In patriarchal societies, boys' socialization often normalizes violence, as in the phrase "boys will be boys" when it comes to bullying and aggression.
Connell suggests four types of masculinities: hegemonic, complicit, subordinate and marginalized as positions to one another.
Remember, you can be masculine without being toxic.
Working with a trained professional can help you identify your values, explore subconscious and conscious influences, recognize your internal dialogue/self-talk, examine interpersonal relationships, and set realistic, attainable goals.
While toxic masculinity states that men should act tough, show no emotions, and reject anything considered feminine, toxic femininity pressures women to be quiet, nurturing, submissive, and attractive. “Womanhood” in this instance is defined in a very shallow manner that objectifies and harms women.
When men actively avoid vulnerability, act on homophobic beliefs, ignore personal traumas, or exhibit prejudice behaviors against women, this contributes to many larger societal problems. Effects of toxic masculinity: Domestic abuse.
This “man up” attitude matures into a rejection of empathy toward others and repackages nurturing impulses as “weak.” Anxiety can also develop if children are not trained to manage their feelings appropriately. Toxic Masculinity opposes mental and physical health treatment even when injured or emotionally struggling.
Mental health stigma: Toxic masculinity views depression, anxiety, substance abuse issues, and mental health problems as weaknesses. It also discourages men from talking about their feelings or seeking mental health treatment. This avoidance may further increase feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Toxic Masculinity Risk Factors
Dysfunctional family environment. Exposure to social norms that encourage violence and male dominance. Exposure to violence at home, in relationships, and in the community. Lack of access to mental health services.
Toxic masculinity has been around for centuries. It puts pressure on men to think they need to have a strong physique, hide their emotions, and act in an aggressively dominant way. It's seen in advertising, pop culture, and now toxic imagery is more accessible to young people through social media.
Toxic masculinity is represented by qualities such as violence, dominance, emotional illiteracy, sexual entitlement, and hostility to femininity. This version of masculinity is seen as “toxic” for two reasons.
Toxic masculinity also shows up in men's physical health. Men are at a higher risk of developing substance abuse issues as well as cardiovascular health problems. Both can be traced to emotional suppression and pressures of aggressive and dominant behaviors, as well as a reluctance to seek health care.
The Oxford English Dictionary (2000) defines masculinism, and synonymously masculism, as: "A male counterpart to feminism. Masculists reject the idea of universal patriarchy, arguing that before feminism most men were as disempowered as most women.
Fragile masculinity refers to anxiety felt by men who believe they are falling short of cultural standards of manhood. • Fragile masculinity can motivate compensatory attitudes/behaviors meant to restore the threatened status of 'real' manhood.
Yet, the qualities that masculine women possess—confidence, assertiveness, independence, and daring—are not scientifically or biologically male attributes. Rather, these qualities are constructed as being masculine even though they are commonly found in women.
Toxic masculinity refers to actions that discourage displays of emotion—other than anger—in men while also encouraging behavior that will deem the male “dominant” in a given situation. Even as children, young boys who express feelings are compared to girls in a negative context.
You might feel forced to bottle up your emotions instead of healthily processing them. According to a study on Constructions of Masculinity, toxic masculinity strengthens these expectations and forces men to adopt certain traits like aggression, a lack of outward emotions, dominance and risk-taking.
Strong or aggressive masculine pride. machismo. chauvinism. misogynism. sexism.
Men who express their emotions are often seen as weak. Because of that, many men neglect to show their emotions because they're afraid of the repercussions. However, suppressing emotions and feelings can be incredibly detrimental to a man's mental health.