Toxic masculinity

For the exaggeration of traditionally masculine traits, see Hypermasculinity.

The concept of toxic masculinity is used in academic and media discussions to refer to those aspects of hegemonic masculinity that are socially destructive, such as misogyny, homophobia, and violent domination. These traits are considered "toxic" due in part to their promotion of violence, including sexual assault and domestic violence. Socialization of boys sometimes also normalizes violence, such as in the saying "boys will be boys" about bullying and aggression.

Self-reliance and emotional repression are correlated with increased psychological problems in men such as depression, increased stress, and substance use disorders. Toxic masculine traits are characteristic of the unspoken code of behavior among incarcerated men, where they exist in part as a response to the harsh conditions of prison life.[1][2]

Other traditionally masculine traits such as devotion to work, pride in excelling at sports, and providing for one's family, are not considered to be "toxic". The concept was originally used by authors associated with the mythopoetic men's movement, such as Shepherd Bliss. These authors contrasted stereotypical notions of masculinity with a "real" or "deep" masculinity, which they said men had lost touch with in modern society. Critics of the term "toxic masculinity" argue that it incorrectly implies that gender-related issues are caused by inherent male traits.[3]

The concept of toxic masculinity has been criticized by conservative writers and authors as an undue condemnation of traditional masculinity.[3][4] In January 2019, conservative political commentators criticized the new American Psychological Association guidelines for warning about harms associated with "traditional masculinity ideology", arguing that it constitutes an attack on masculinity.[5] Some feminists[6] have argued it is an essentialist concept that ignores the role of choice and context in causing harmful behaviors and attitudes related to masculinity.[7]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Kupers 2004 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Kupers 2007 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Salter was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Sculos, Bryant W. (2017). "Who's Afraid of 'Toxic Masculinity'?". Class, Race and Corporate Power. 5 (3). Miami, Florida: Berkeley Electronic Press. doi:10.25148/CRCP.5.3.006517. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Dastagir2019 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ McCann, Hannah (June 2020). "Is there anything 'toxic' about femininity? The rigid femininities that keep us locked in". Psychology & Sexuality. 13 (1). London, England: Taylor & Francis: 9–22. doi:10.1080/19419899.2020.1785534. hdl:11343/254288.
  7. ^ Waling, Andrea (October 2019). "Problematising 'Toxic' and 'Healthy' Masculinity for Addressing Gender Inequalities". Australian Feminist Studies. 34 (101). Adelaide, Australia: Routledge: 362–375. doi:10.1080/08164649.2019.1679021.