persuasive essay on toxic masculinity

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Toxic Masculinity and Rape Culture: a Connection

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Published: Mar 14, 2019

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The endless spread of toxic masculinity, final thoughts, works cited.

• Buchwald, E. (1993). Transforming a rape culture. Milkweed Editions.
• Filipovic, J. (2018, October 2). The party of unapologetic misogyny. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/02/opinion/republican-party-kavanaugh-women-vote.html
• Hines, S. R. (2007). The cultural basis of gendered violence. Journal of interpersonal violence, 22(7), 856-871.
• Kimmel, M. S. (2013). Angry white men: American masculinity at the end of an era. Nation Books.
• Messner, M. A., & Levitas, M. (2014). Gay athletes and the ‘de-masculinization’of sport. Sex Roles, 71(11-12), 393-405.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018, July). Substance use and misuse among older adults. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/substance-use-in-older-adults/sex-gender-differences-in-substance-use
• Pringle, R., & Haimowitz, S. (2016). Toxic masculinity as a barrier to mental health treatment in prison. Journal of prison education and reentry, 3(1), 1-12.
• Richards, C., Bouman, W. P., Seal, L., Barker, M. J., & Nieder, T. O. (2016). Non-binary or genderqueer genders. International Review of Psychiatry, 28(1), 95-102.
• Seto, M. C., Wood, J. M., & Babchishin, K. M. (2015). Sex offender types: A typology based on offender motivation and behavior. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 42(10), 1099-1118.
• Williams, R. (2015, October 9). Fewer rape convictions because plea bargains prevail, report suggests. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/oct/09/fewer-rape-convictions-because-plea-bargains-prevail-report-suggests

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‘Toxic masculinity’: what does it mean, where did it come from – and is the term useful or harmful?

Professor of Sociology, Queensland University of Technology

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Michael Flood has received funding from the Australia Research Council, Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute Foundation, Jesuit Social Services, Victorian Government, and Victorian Health Promotion Foundation.

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It’s hard to avoid encountering the term “toxic masculinity” these days.

It has been linked to Australian soldiers’ war crimes in Afghanistan, the Morrison government’s low credibility with women in the lead-up to this year’s election – and further afield, the rise of Donald Trump and the Capitol riots .

It is regularly applied to pop-culture characters as diverse as the hypersensitive dinosaur nerd Ross Gellar from Friends, the alcoholic adulterer Don Draper in Mad Men, and the violent, repressed Nate in Euphoria , who regularly tells his girlfriend, “If anyone ever tried to hurt you, I’d kill them.”

The term “ toxic masculinity ” was obscure in the 1990s and early 2000s. But since around 2015, it has become pervasive in discussions of men and gender.

So what does it mean?

“Masculinity” refers to the roles, behaviours and attributes seen as appropriate for boys and men in a given society. In short, masculinity refers to society’s expectations of males.

In many societies, boys and men are expected to be strong, active, aggressive, tough, daring, heterosexual, emotionally inexpressive and dominant. This is enforced by socialisation, media, peers, and a host of other influences. And it plays out in the behaviour of many boys and men .

Read more: Friday essay: why soldiers commit war crimes – and what we can do about it

The term “toxic masculinity” points to a particular version of masculinity that is unhealthy for the men and boys who conform to it, and harmful for those around them.

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.

This version of masculinity is seen as “toxic” for two reasons.

First, it is bad for women. It shapes sexist and patriarchal behaviours, including abusive or violent treatment of women. Toxic masculinity thus contributes to gender inequalities that disadvantage women and privilege men.

Second, toxic masculinity is bad for men and boys themselves. Narrow stereotypical norms constrain men’s physical and emotional health and their relations with women, other men, and children.

Read more: Sherlock Holmes and the case of toxic masculinity: what is behind the detective's appeal?

Origins of the term

The term first emerged within the mythopoetic (New Age) men’s movement of the 1980s.

The movement focused on men’s healing, using male-only workshops, wilderness retreats and rites of passage to rescue what it saw as essentially masculine qualities and archetypes (the king, the warrior, the wildman, and so on) from what it dubbed “toxic” masculinity.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the term spread to other self-help circles and into academic work (for example, on men’s mental health ). Some US conservatives began applying the term to low-income, under-employed, marginalised men, prescribing solutions like restoring male-dominated families and family values.

“Toxic masculinity” was virtually non-existent in academic writing – including feminist scholarship – up until 2015 or so, other than in a handful of texts on men’s health and wellbeing.

But as it spread in popular culture, feminist scholars and commentators adopted the term, typically as a shorthand for misogynist talk and actions. Though the term is now associated with a feminist critique of the sexist norms of manhood, that’s not where it started.

It is virtually absent from the scholarship on men and masculinities that developed rapidly from the mid-1970s, though its use in that area has increased in the last decade. This scholarship has, however, long made the claim that culturally influential constructions of manhood exist, and that they are tied to men’s domination of women.

Merits and risks

Understood properly, the term “toxic masculinity” has some merits. It recognises that the problem is a social one, emphasising how boys and men are socialised and how their lives are organised. It steers us away from biologically essentialist or determinist perspectives that suggest the bad behaviour of men is inevitable: “boys will be boys”.

“Toxic masculinity” highlights a specific form of masculinity and a specific set of social expectations that are unhealthy or dangerous. It points (rightly) to the fact that stereotypical masculine norms shape men’s health, as well as their treatment of other people.

The term has helped to popularise feminist critiques of rigid gender norms and inequalities. It is more accessible than scholarly terms (such as hegemonic masculinity ). This has the potential to allow its use in educating boys and men, in similar ways to the concept of the “ Man Box ” (a term describing a rigid set of compulsory masculine qualities that confine men and boys) and other teaching tools on masculinity .

By emphasising the harm done to both men and women, the term has the potential to prompt less defensiveness among men than more overtly political terms such as “patriarchal” or “sexist” masculinity.

Read more: Perpetrators of family violence sometimes use threats of suicide to control their partner

Toxic risks

“Toxic masculinity” also carries some potential risks. It is too readily misheard as a suggestion that “all men are toxic”. It can make men feel blamed and attacked – the last thing we need if we want to invite men and boys to critically reflect on masculinity and gender. Persuasive public messaging aimed at men may be more effective if it avoids the language of “masculinity” altogether.

Whether it uses the term “toxic masculinity” or not, any criticism of the ugly things some men do, or of dominant norms of manhood, will provoke defensive and hostile reactions among some men. Criticisms of sexism and unequal gender relations often provoke a backlash , in the form of predictable expressions of anti-feminist sentiments.

The term might also draw attention to male disadvantage and neglect male privilege. Dominant gender norms may be “toxic” for men, but they also provide a range of unearned privileges (workplace expectations of leadership, freedom from unpaid care work, prioritising of their sexual needs over women’s) and inform some men’s harmful behaviour towards women .

“Toxic masculinity” can be used in generalising and simplistic ways. Decades of scholarship have established that constructions of masculinity are diverse, intersecting with other forms of social difference.

The term may cement the assumption that the only way to involve men in progress towards gender equality is by fostering a “ healthy ” or “ positive ” masculinity. Yes, we need to redefine norms of manhood . But we also need to encourage men to invest less in gendered identities and boundaries, stop policing manhood , and embrace ethical identities less defined by gender.

Whatever language we use, we need ways to name the influential social norms associated with manhood, critique the harmful attitudes and behaviours some men adopt, and foster healthier lives for men and boys.

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Is it actually helpful to talk about toxic masculinity, research suggests that men are changing their behavior in positive ways, including around emotions..

There seem to be as many interpretations of what “ toxic masculinity ” means as there are uses of the term.

Some believe it’s a way to criticize what they see as specific negative behavior and attitudes often associated with men. Others, such as broadcaster Piers Morgan, claim that media interest in toxic masculinity is part of a “ woke culture ” that aims to emasculate men. Others believe toxic masculinity is a fundamental part of manhood .

My research into working-class young men in south Wales shows how masculinity is changing. Some men remain hostile to the notion of toxic masculinity and see the term as a vehicle for shaming men. And some are caught in a conflict between changing ideas of masculinity and traditional, unhealthy expressions of manhood. This is further complicated by the term itself.

In its simplest sense, toxic masculinity refers to an overemphasis or exaggerated expression of characteristics commonly associated with masculinity. These include traits such as competition, self-reliance, and being stoic, which produce behaviors such as risk taking, fear of showing weakness, and an inability to discuss emotions. These have negative implications for both men and women.

For example, a rejection of weakness and vulnerability may prevent some men from discussing issues such as mental health. Similarly, an inability to express emotion may expose itself through frustration, anger, and acts of physical violence.

But masculine traits such as being stoic can equally be valuable in some circumstances, such as emergencies and making lifesaving decisions. In essence, masculinity is complex and diverse, and can be expressed in multiple ways.

More than one type of masculinity

However, masculinity that involves courage, toughness, and physical strength has historically been held in high regard by society.

Masculinity is socially, historically, culturally, and individually determined, and subject to change. It can be influenced by a person’s status, power, place, social class, and ethnicity. So, a person’s differing circumstances establish or enable different expressions of masculinity.

For example, traditionally high rates of manual employment in heavy industries and family relationships helped establish the gender roles of the male breadwinner and female homemaker. This reinforced masculine traits such as toughness and stoicism in men.

In recent decades, though, the way people in Western countries work has changed a lot. Manual jobs have decreased while service sector work has increased. These alterations have contributed to the increase in the number of women working, and their wages have became an important part of household incomes.

Movements like #MeToo and brands like Gillette and its “We Believe: The Best Men Can Be” advert have led to further examination of masculinity. They have challenged negative expressions of masculinity, encouraging men to change their behavior and instead adopt a more positive version of masculinity.

Against this backdrop, we urgently need to reassess what the current research tells us about men and masculinity.

Men are changing

Some studies suggest that men are changing their behavior as society and the economy change. For example, studies of white, middle-class men who attend university have found that they are more likely to express their emotions verbally and physically.

But critics of that idea say that such young men can transgress typical notions of masculinity because of their higher social status.

A new wave of qualitative research has shown that some working-class young men are changing their behavior. They are more open about their emotions, admit to feeling vulnerable, and have more egalitarian views on housework. However, they still sometimes use sexist and homophobic language.

My recent study is part of a growing criticism of how masculinity is defined and talked about. I carried out my research at a youth center and focused on a group of working-class young men aged between 12 and 21. I talked to the young men about their school experiences and work ambitions, and looked at their behavior.

The study was based in the Gwent valleys, a former coal mining community. It is a place known for its traditional ideas of masculinity, such as being strong and tough. But also I found that these young men showed softer sides of masculinity, such as empathy, compassion, and sensitivity.

These changes and softer sides of masculinity coexisted with behaviors often linked with negative expressions of masculinity, such as violence and crime. I describe this as “ amalgamated masculinities .”

My findings strengthen the idea that positive changes in masculinity are happening socially.

Changing the narrative

We must be aware of the harm caused by exaggerated masculine traits, but language like “toxic masculinity” can be unhelpful. We should focus on promoting the benefits of positive expressions of manhood, such as emotional openness and empathy.

We should also do more work to try to understand why positive changes in masculinity are happening. Once we understand this, we can think about how to encourage these positive changes to make them more common in society. This could help to make masculinity better for everyone.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .

About the Author

Richard Gater

Richard Gater, Ph.D. , is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data, Cardiff University. His research interests include social class, education, employment, and masculinities.

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What Is Toxic Masculinity?

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk,  "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

Akeem Marsh, MD, is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who has dedicated his career to working with medically underserved communities.

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• Glorification of Unhealthy Habits

Mental Health Stigma

Race, ethnicity, and gender, helping behavior.

• The APA's Guidelines

Toxic masculinity refers to the notion that some people’s idea of “manliness” perpetuates domination, homophobia , and aggression. Toxic masculinity involves cultural pressures for men to behave in a certain way. And it’s likely this affects all boys and men in some fashion.

This idea that men need to act tough and avoid showing all emotions can be harmful to their mental health and can have serious consequences for society, which is how it became known as “toxic masculinity.”

Toxic masculinity isn’t just about behaving like a man. Instead, it involves the extreme pressure some men may feel to act in a way that is actually harmful.

There are many definitions of “toxic masculinity” that appear in research as well as pop culture. Some researchers have come to agree that toxic masculinity has three core components:

• Toughness: This is the notion that men should be physically strong, emotionally callous, and behaviorally aggressive.
• Antifeminity: This involves the idea that men should reject anything that is considered to be feminine, such as showing emotion or accepting help.
• Power: This is the assumption that men must work toward obtaining power and status (social and financial) so they can gain the respect of others.

Glorification of Unhealthy Habits 

Toxic masculinity glorifies unhealthy habits. It’s the notion that “self-care is for women” and men should treat their bodies like machines by skimping on sleep, working out even when they’re injured, and pushing themselves to their physical limits. 

In addition to pushing themselves hard physically, toxic masculinity discourages men from seeing doctors. 

A 2011 study found that men who held the strongest beliefs about masculinity were only half as likely as men with more moderate beliefs about masculinity to get preventative health care. Seeing a physician for an annual physical, for example, runs contrary to some men’s beliefs about toughness.

In addition to avoiding preventative treatment, toxic masculinity also encourages unhealthy behaviors.

A 2007 study found that the more men conformed to masculine norms, the more likely they were to engage in risky behaviors, such as heavy drinking , using tobacco, and avoiding vegetables. In addition, they were more likely to view such risky choices as being “normal.”

Toxic masculinity also discourages men from getting mental health treatment. Depression , anxiety, substance use issues, and mental health problems may be viewed as weaknesses.

A 2015 study found that men who bought into traditional notions of masculinity held more of a negative attitude about seeking mental health services compared to those with more flexible gender attitudes.

Toxic masculinity may also stress that it’s inappropriate for men to talk about their feelings. Avoiding conversations about problems or emotions may increase feelings of isolation and loneliness . 

It may also reduce men’s willingness to reach out and get help when they’re experiencing a mental health issue.

A man’s race and ethnicity may play a role in how he views masculinity as well as how others perceive him.                                                

A 2013 study found that among white college students, Asian-American men are viewed as less manly than white or Black American men.

The masculine requirement to remain stoic and be a good provider can lead to “John Henryism” in African-American men. This term is used to describe men who use high effort as a way to cope with problems and they continue to do so in the face of chronic stress and discrimination. A 2016 study linked “John Henryism” to an increased risk of hypertension and depression.

Boys of all races and ethnic backgrounds who don’t act “masculine enough” may be subjected to harassment at school.

The 2015 National School Climate Survey found that 85% of LGBTQ+ students reported being verbally harassed at school over their gender expression or sexual orientation.

Gender non-conforming students reported worse treatment than the kids who conform to traditional gender norms while also identifying as LGBTQ+.

Men who view themselves as more masculine are less likely to engage in what researchers call “helping behavior.” That means they are not likely to intervene when they witness bullying or when they see someone being assaulted.

A 2019 study found that toxic masculinity can prevent men from consoling a victim, calling for help, and standing up to the perpetrator. Men who endorsed the belief that men should be strong and aggressive were more likely to perceive negative social consequences associated with intervening as an active bystander.

In instances of sexual assault, for example, men who identified the most with masculine behaviors were less likely to stop the assault. The study found that men wouldn't intervene in any conflict if they thought their reputation as being traditionally masculine might be compromised.

Toxic Masculinity Examples

Unfortunately, there can be toxic masculinity in relationships, schools, and workplaces. Here are some everyday examples:

• When a boy in school doesn't act in traditionally masculine ways, and he is bullied by the boys in his class for being "too feminine"
• When a boy cries and his father tells him to "toughen up" or that "men don't cry"
• When a man calls women "sluts" or "whores" for having sex outside of monogamous relationships
• When a man tells his partner what they can and cannot wear, and who they are and are not allowed to spend time with
• The violence against trans women that occurs every year by men who are threatened by a perceived violation of gender norms
• When men criticize other men for being attracted to, or in relationships with, trans women
• When a man is afraid to be emotionally vulnerable with his partner for fear of seeming "weak"
• When a man who is struggling with his mental health doesn't want to see a therapist because he should "man up" or "power through it"

The APA's Guidelines

Over the years, the American Psychological Association (APA) began to recognize that societal pressures placed on men can have drastic consequences for individuals as well as society.

Members of the APA created new guidelines for psychological practices that treat boys and men to help address some of the problems associated with toxic masculinity.

Drawing on more than 40 years of research, they suggest that traditional masculinity is psychologically harmful. They also report that socializing boys to suppress their emotions creates damage, both inwardly and outwardly.

Researchers found that when they stripped away stereotypes and cultural expectations, there weren’t many differences in the basic behaviors between men and women. Time diary studies (studies that have participants log diary entries of their activities) showed that men enjoy caring for children just as much as women.

Differences in emotional displays between boys and girls are relatively small and not always in a stereotypical fashion. For example, a 2013 study found that adolescent boys actually display fewer externalizing emotions such as anger, than adolescent girls.

The new APA guidelines were created to help psychologists support men in breaking free of masculinity rules that do more harm than good.

A Word From Verywell

If you feel like you’re experiencing the negative effects of toxic masculinity, reach out to someone. A mental health professional can help you recognize how it’s affecting your life and help you break free from the unhealthy patterns that may be keeping you stuck.

The more people learn about toxic masculinity and the more people get help for it, the more likely we are to see changes on a bigger level as society may put less pressure on men to act a certain way.

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Yousaf, O., Popat, A., & Hunter, M. S. An investigation of masculinity attitudes, gender, and attitudes toward psychological help-seeking . Psychology of Men & Masculinity. 2015;16(2), 234–237. doi:10.1037/a0036241

Wong, Y. J., Horn, A. J., Chen, S. Perceived masculinity: The potential influence of race, racial essentialist beliefs, and stereotypes . Psychology of Men & Masculinity . 2013;14(4), 452–464. doi:10.1037/a0030100

Hudson DL, Neighbors HW, Geronimus AT, Jackson JS. Racial Discrimination, John Henryism, and Depression Among African Americans . J Black Psychol. 2016;42(3):221-243. doi:10.1177/0095798414567757

2015 National Climate Survey. GLSEN.  https://www.glsen.org/research/2015-national-school-climate-s

Ingram, K. et al. Longitudinal associations between features of toxic masculinity and bystander willingness to intervene in bullying among middle school boys . Journal of School Psychology. December 2019; 77: 139-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2019.10.007

Thepsourinthone J, Dune T, Liamputtong P, Arora A. The relationship between masculinity and internalized homophobia amongst Australian gay men .  Int J Environ Res Public Health . 2020;17(15):5475. doi:10.3390/ijerph17155475

West K, Borras-Guevara ML. When cisgender, heterosexual men feel attracted to transgender women: Sexuality-norm violations lead to compensatory anti-gay prejudice . Journal of Homosexuality . 2021:1-19. doi:10.1080/00918369.2021.1938467

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By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk,  "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

18 Toxic Masculinity Examples

Toxic masculinity refers to the internalization of hyper-masculine gender norms that are harmful or ‘toxic’ to society.

The term does not refer to ‘positive masculinity’ or even mainstream ideas about masculinity, but tends to over-emphasize anachronistic patriarchal concepts that promote domination, devaluation of women, homophobia, and violence.

Toxic Masculinity Definition

Toxic masculinity refers to a specific set of antisocial and destructive characteristics embraced by a subset of men as gender identity features.

This definition from Sculos (2017) tends to conform to my paraphrased definition above:

“…generally “toxic masculinity” is used to refer to a loosely interrelated collection of norms, beliefs, and behaviors associated with masculinity, which are harmful to women, men, children, and society more broadly.”

Similarly, Kupers (2005) presents a definition that defines toxic masculinity aggression and a desire to be dominant:

“Toxic masculinity involves the need to aggressively compete and dominate others and encompasses the most problematic proclivities in men.” (Kupers 2005, p.713-714).

Interestingly, the concept was once ascribed to low-income, marginalized , and often racialized men by the conservative commentariat who wanted to frame them as outside of the norms of mainstream (white) masculine values which were seen as more civilized (Harrington, 2021).

Later, feminist scholars such as Raewyn Connell concerned themselves with how toxic masculinity was an extreme form of “ hegemonic masculinity ”, a concept that reflects masculine traits designed to maintain dominance of men over women in a patriarchal hierarchy.

Still further, feminist scholars began to reject the idea that this definition should be ascribed to marginalized men, highlighting that the greatest concern is “the poor behaviour of powerful white elite men” who use toxic masculinity as a way to maintain their place on a power hierarchy. This definition, for example, has been used to explain toxic masculinity that is at the heart of the feminist critique within the #Metoo movement (Harrington, 2021).

Toxic Masculinity vs Positive Masculinity

Shepherd Bliss from the Mythopoetic movement compared toxic masculinity to “deep” masculinity, which reflected some positive forms of masculine values, such as the agrarian man who tills the soil and provides for his family in a caring and egalitarian manner . In his mind, embracing a masculine idenity is not a bad thing in and of itself. Positive aspects of masculinity, such as a desire to protect people you love, caring for others, personal integrity, staying physically healthy, defending moral truths, and a desire to take responsibility for yourself and family, can manifest as prosocial behaviors that are a more mainstream interpretation of masculine identity norms.

Toxic Masculinity Examples

1. refusing to do household chores.

Refusing to do household chores can be seen as an example of toxic masculinity if it is predicated on the belief that such tasks are “women’s work” and, therefore, beneath men.

This belief reflects an idea that there is certain work that men should not do based on their ascribed status – gender – rather than based on a negotiated distribution of roles between members of the relationship.

Of course, if the husband and wife have negotiated the distribution of chores and responsibilities in an even and respectful manner, and certain chores are the role of the wife in that particular relationship, it likely wouldn’t reflect toxic masculinity. But if the man is refusing to do the chores specifically on gender grounds, then it would.

2. Belittling Expressions of Emotion

Men who embrace toxic masculinity often belittle others – men and women – who express their emotions.

This is based on an outdated idea that “men don’t show emotions” or “men don’t cry.”

This concept harks back to a time when gender stereotypes held a binary of male/female corresponding to rational/emotional.

Such a belief is harmful, perhaps most of all to the men who internalize it, because it means they cannot sufficiently work through their emotions, be honest about their emotions, or confront psychological traumas they face.

3. Obsession with Body Counts

The term ‘body count’ colloquially refers to the number of people you have slept with.

The obsession with this term among some men reflects their sense that their personal worth as a man hinges on their ability to convince women to sleep with them.

Furthermore, such a mentality objectifies the women they date, turning them into merely people to be conquered and discarded, rather than people to form relationships with or, at the very least, respect and build an intimate relationship with based on mutual respect.

4. Homophobia

People who have internalized toxic masculinity may have the belief that being gay tarnishes one’s “manliness”. They may even fear that being associated with someone who is gay may make them appear less manly.

And appearing less manly is a huge fear for those who believe in toxic masculine traits.

This fear can result in the use of homophobic slurs, avoiding relationships or friendships with those who identify as LGBTQ+, and even perpetrating violence against this community.

This mentality is based on the unfounded but sadly prevalent idea that “real men” should only be attracted to women. Such a mentality spreads discrimination and stereotyping, where people prejudge someone based on their sexuality rather than their personal character.

5. Treating a Spouse as an Inferior

Toxic masculinity can manifest as a belief that men are superior to women and, therefore, the man should be the ‘boss’ in the household. They believe that an unequal power dynamic in the relationship is justified based on the man’s supposed inherent superiority over women.

For example, the man might make decisions unilaterally without regard for his wife’s views, might fail to think of her or others when making decisions, and might devaluing the spouse’s achievements and contributions.

6. Violence as a Solution to Problems

Violence, among the toxic masculinity crowd, is seen as the ultimate arbitrator. If they’re wrong, it doesn’t matter, because they think ‘might makes right’.

As a result, intellect and logic are devalued.

Furthermore, it creates a world where people have to live in fear of one another causing physical harm to them, violating the basic idea that everyone should have the right to bodily autonomy , and never be physically harmed no matter the reason.

This view often stems from societal norms or media portrayals that equate masculinity with aggression and dominance. However, violence rarely solves problems; instead, it typically escalates them, causing harm to both the perpetrator and the recipient.

7. Gender-Based Bullying

Gender-based bullying is often a manifestation of toxic masculinity. It occurs when boys and men bully other boys and men in order to establish their place on a social hierarchy .

By projecting themselves as the strongest, most aggressive, and most dominant male, these people believe they can become the ‘alpha male’ in a social group .

This is common in the playground. Fortunately, as we get older, most people grow out of this, and realize that traits like kindness and vulnerability are often attractive traits, while aggression is a trait that you don’t want in your friends.

Similarly, boys and men might target women and girls who are perceived to lack desirable feminine traits – submissiveness, fine features, etc. – and belittle them for not fitting into a traditional feminine stereotype.

8. Sexual Aggression

Toxic masculinity can lead to sexual aggression, often taking the form of whistling at women walking down the street, inappropriate touching of people who haven’t given consent, inappropriate internet messages, and so forth.

In such cases, these ‘toxic’ men feel entitled to act on their sexual impulses without explicit consent, failing to exercise respect and empathy toward women around them.

Such behavior is rooted in a patriarchal culture that often objectifies women and views them as a means to fulfill desires, rather than as equals deserving of respect and autonomy.

Generally, such behavior is explicitly harassment and coercion, and in most developed liberal societies, is even illegal.

9. Excessive Risk-Taking

Excessive risk-taking is another behavior often linked to toxic masculinity, whereby it reflects a belief that risk-taking is a way to demonstrate manliness and prowess within the social group.

Generally among teenagers and young men, it would manifest as dangerous driving, refusing to use adequate safety precautions, or taking foolish financial risks.

Underpinning this is a stereotype that men should not have emotions, and therefore, should be fearless. By demonstrating this fearlessness, they can better position themselves as alpha males.

This mentality also undervalues the qualities of caution, prudence, and thoughtful decision-making , which are equally valid and essential aspects of human behavior and should not be seen as “less masculine”.

10. Raising Sons to Conform to Hyper-Masculine Stereotypes

If a man continues to embrace toxic masculinity into adulthood, he may attempt to socialize his son into this sort of behavior as well.

This can include teaching boys that it is unmanly to display emotions (for example, ‘boys don’t cry’), encouraging their sons to be hyper-aggressive on the sports field or in the playground, and discouraging the pursuit of traditionally feminine interests, such as pursuing dance or fashion.

Raising sons in such an environment may stunt their emotional development, limit their ability to express themselves, cause them to have a poor relationship with their own emotions, and pass-on harmful cultural stereotypes about gender roles.

This may also lead them to have poor interpersonal relationships in adulthood.

11. Blaming Victims for their ‘Suggestive’ Clothing

Toxic masculinity can also manifest in the form of blaming female victims of sexual perpetrators, saying that they ‘asked for it’ by wearing ‘suggestive’ clothing.

This viewpoint insinuates that men are unable to control their actions when faced with certain types of clothing, which obviously makes the men look like uncontrollable savages, but they don’t seem to realize that this is in-turn a clear critique of their personal failings!

One would thing that real men can control themselves in all situations.

Nevertheless, the blame-the-victim narrative is an attempt to absolve the perpetrators of responsibility. This viewpoint also works to normalize male misconduct, fostering hostile and unsafe public spaces for women.

12. Telling a Wife to Quit Her Job After Marriage

Telling a wife to quit her job after marriage can be a manifestation of toxic masculinity.

This demand often comes from the antiquated idea that men should be the sole providers, and also from the idea that the domestic sphere is the sphere for women.

This viewpoint may be driven by gender socialization into a patriarchal culture, fundamentalist religious teachings, or even driven by the insecurities of a man whose spouse may have the potential to earn more than him or achieve higher professional success.

This behavior overlooks the aspirations, skills, and independence of women , perpetuates the idea that women do not have a place in the public arena, and denies women the right to full participation in socia life.

13. Superficial Judgment of Women Based on Gender Conformity

Superficial judgment of women based on gender conformity can be a form of toxic masculinity.

This occurs when men judge women not based upon their intelligence or worth as an individual, but rather, on what they wear or how submissive they behave toward men.

For instance, valuing women mainly for their physical attractiveness or criticizing them for not being “feminine” enough both fall under this category. This behavior is harmful because it reduces women to one-dimensional figures. Furthermore, it overlooks each individual’s unique strengths and capabilities.

14. Superficial Judgment of Men Based on Gender Conformity

Just as toxic masculinity can lead to superficial judgment of women, it can also result in a superficial judgment of other men, especially those who may not perfectly conform to a hegemonic masculinity ideal.

Men may be ridiculed or stigmatized for not adhering to traditional masculine norms, such as displaying emotions, engaging in activities perceived as feminine, or not being aggressive or competitive.

This behavior imposes a narrow definition of masculinity , constrains men’s behavior, and discourages them from expressing themselves authentically.

It reinforces the harmful idea that there’s only one “correct” way to be a man, which can limit personal growth and contribute to mental health problems.

15. Embracing Sexualization of Women

Toxic masculinity often involves the embrace of the sexualization of women.

This behavior regards women primarily as objects of sexual desire, rather than as individuals with their own rights, values, and autonomy.

Examples can include objectifying comments, catcalling, unsolicited advances, or consuming media that objectifies women.

Emphasizing respect, equality, and consent is crucial to combating this form of toxic masculinity.

16. Valuing Physical Strength over Character or Intellect

Toxic masculinity can be seen in the overemphasis of physical strength at the expense of character or intellect in the definition of a man.

This might involve prioritizing workouts and bodybuilding while disregarding the development of emotional intelligence , ethical standards, or intellectual pursuits.

It leads to a one-dimensional view of manhood that equates physical prowess with value and worth. Such an approach not only reinforces shallow stereotypes but also devalues other essential qualities, such as kindness, empathy, intellectual curiosity, and moral courage, which contribute to a well-rounded and healthy sense of masculinity.

17. Excessive Competitiveness

Excessive competitiveness is another example of toxic masculinity. It’s the belief that men must always “win” and be the best in every aspect of life, from sports to work, and even in personal relationships.

This obsession with always coming out on top can create a high-pressure environment that discourages cooperation , fosters unnecessary conflict, and potentially leads to mental health issues such as stress and anxiety.

While a healthy level of competitiveness can be motivating, an excessive or compulsive need to compete and dominate can be destructive and alienating.

18. Inability to Admit Weakness

Toxic masculinity often includes an inability or unwillingness to admit weakness, whether it’s emotional, physical, or intellectual.

Many men are socialized to believe that admitting a mistake or asking for help is a sign of weakness. Such behaviors may position them as “unmanly” in a toxic culture.

This mindset can prevent men from seeking help when they need it.

This can be damaging in many situations, whether it’s for a mental health issue, a physical health problem, or working through difficult periods of their lives.

It can also lead to a lack of self-awareness and personal growth, as acknowledging one’s weaknesses is a crucial step in improving and learning.

Valuing vulnerability and encouraging open communication are essential steps to counteract this harmful aspect of toxic masculinity.

See Also: 10 Types of Masculinity

It’s worth reflecting on the fact that masculinity itself is not necessarily bad. Rather, the problem arises when there are extreme interpretations of masculinity that lead to harm to self and others, based on antisocial and unjust belief systems . Generally, the issue arises when a patriarchal hierarchy is created in the mind, and when people are judged based on their gender rather than their individual character.

Bliss, S. (1995). “Mythopoetic Men’s Movements”. In Kimmel, Michael S. (ed.).  The Politics of Manhood: Profeminist Men Respond to the Mythopoetic Men’s Movement (And the Mythopoetic Leaders Answer) . Philadelphia: Temple University Press. doi: https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt14bswd0

Connell, R.W. (2005).  Masculinities  (2nd ed.). Berkeley, Calif.: University of California Press.

Daddow, O., & Hertner, I. (2021). Interpreting toxic masculinity in political parties: A framework for analysis.  Party Politics ,  27 (4), 743-754. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/1354068819887591

Kupers, T. A. (2005). Toxic masculinity as a barrier to mental health treatment in prison. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61 (6), 713–724 doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20105

Sculos, B. W. (2017). Who’s afraid of ‘toxic masculinity’?.  Class, Race and Corporate Power ,  5 (3). doi: https://www.jstor.org/stable/48645481

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Machismo / Machismo And Toxic Masculinity In The Modern Society

Machismo And Toxic Masculinity In The Modern Society

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