What is Toxic Masculinity? Everything You Need to Know

Toxic masculinity is a popular term used nowadays to describe the behavior of men that are problematic.
While it may say sound demeaning to men, toxic masculinity does not criticize masculinity itself.
Instead, it refers to the adherence men may have to societal standards for masculinity that can prove to be harmful to men and society as well.
Masculinity is not inherently a problem in society. However, what is expected from it can lead to the development of such elements.

Toxic masculinity exhibits traits that are characteristic to men, such as:

Some popular everyday phrases associated with toxic masculinity include “no homo” and “what, are you gay?”
Men displaying affection or sensitivity is taken as a sign of them having homosexual tendencies.
This goes against society’s expectations of men being attracted to straight, cisgender women only, which propagates heterosexism in men.
Another common phrase is “I’m a guy. What do you expect?”
Used in conjunction with the perceived societal norms and roles that men are expected to adhere to, this phrase is essentially a justification of actions that are in line with toxic masculinity.
Men are supposed to own up to how society expects them to act.

Toxic masculinity is not inherent to men. It is not genetic.
A single cause for it cannot be pinpointed since it has to do with the societal perception of men.
The perception has been developed over millennia and has been influenced by culture, religion, and economic conditions.
Moreover, it can vary across age groups and can also show differences according to classes.
However, all experts agree that society reinforces and nurtures toxic masculinity.

Several studies have discussed the negative effects of toxic masculinity on a man’s health.
While it is commonly seen as harmful to others, men face real harm because of it.
Adhering to it is believed to affect the physical and mental health of men.
It can result in depression and poor sleep.
Men are less likely to seek problems, for both physical and mental issues, because they do not want to be seen as weak by society.

The effects of toxic masculinity on society are widely studied and reported.
It is strongly believed to enforce rape culture as it promotes the view of cisgender women as “sexual conquests”.
The aggression attributed to toxic masculinity is also believed to be responsible for violence in society.
As men do not seek help for their problems, they often end up isolating or excluding themselves.

Addressing toxic masculinity means realizing its negative effect on society and confronting it.
Men must recognize that it’s alright for them to show sensitivity and not be constrained by traditional societal norms.
Men need to be okay with who they are ready to have the tough conversations that can help them confront toxic masculinity.
After that, it’s all about doing the work.

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