Toxic masculinity Definition & Toxic Masculinity Examples Characteristics

What Is Toxic Masculinity?

Toxic masculinity is a term used to describe the socially-constructed attitudes that are associated with men and boys, including their socialization and gender roles.

The term “toxic masculinity” was coined by sociologist Michael Kaufman in his 1995 book “Manhood in America: A Cultural History.”

It refers to traditional male stereotypes that emphasize toughness, sexual prowess, dominance over women, and limited emotional expression.

The term is also used to refer to specific behaviors or actions typically seen as masculine but which negatively impact society and individuals in various ways.

This kind of thinking can be harmful because it teaches people, especially men, to suppress their emotions and feelings. Toxic masculinity also often leads to violence.

Men are given the message from an early age that they should be aggressive, dominant over others, control women’s bodies through sexual prowess or force, and view sex as shameful rather than pleasurable (especially for the woman).

Toxic Masculinity has been gaining traction over the past decade. This term describes how society raises men and boys to subscribe to traditional masculine gender scripts that emphasize aggressive, unemotional traits like dominance, control, violence, and promiscuous sex as positive qualities.

While these are perceived by many as harmless or even desirable characteristics in both men and women, they do not allow individuals from any background or identity to be fully authentic about themselves.

When it comes down to it being toxic means that those who don’t fit into this rigid mold of masculinity have historically faced bullying, abuse, harassment, violent assault on dating apps, all because they didn’t uphold their “manliness” enough.

 Toxic Masculinity and Patriarchy

Toxic masculinity is a social and cultural problem that has its roots in patriarchy. Patriarchy refers to the system of male dominance found in many different societies worldwide, where men are considered superior to women.

This system also involves rigid gender roles for each sex. Men are taught from an early age that being tough, dominant, strong, and aggressive is essential to manhood.

They’re expected to “tough things out” rather than express their emotions or ask for help when they need it.

What are the Behaviours and Signs of Toxic Masculinity?

• Men who are unable to express their emotions
• Men who feel the need to be in control of every situation
•  Men who use violence or threats as a way of solving problems
• Men whose sense of masculinity is based on physical strength and toughness.
• Men are more likely to be sexually assaulted than women.
• Men are less likely to report sexual assault or rape.
• Boys and men who a woman has sexually abused may not identify as victims because of the stigma attached to male victimhood.
• The belief that violence is an appropriate response to conflict, including domestic abuse and sexual assault

Toxic Masculinity Examples

Toxic masculinity is used to describe traditional masculine gender roles that are harmful to men and society as a whole.

Examples of toxic masculinity include homophobia, sexism, violence against women, and other forms of discrimination.

Toxic Masculinity in The Workplace

The term “Toxic Masculinity” is a broad term that encompasses many different forms of masculinity. Toxic Masculinity can be seen in the workplace, where it manifests as behaviors such as sexual harassment and bullying.

There are many types of toxic masculinity: hegemonic, hypermasculine, violent masculinities, and more that are witnessed in the workplace.

Toxic Masculinity Relationships

Toxic masculinity is a form of masculinity that emphasizes dominance, aggression, and the pursuit of sex. It has been linked to violence against women.

It also promotes homophobia and transphobia.

Toxic Masculinity Examples In Media

Toxic masculinity is the idea that traditional masculine traits are superior to feminine ones.  Examples of toxic masculinity in the media include hyper-masculine men, violence against women, and rape jokes.

The media has been accused of promoting toxic masculinity.  Toxic masculinity can be seen in the media through many different types of advertisements.

Gillette Toxic Masculinity Example

Gillette has been bombarded with both praise and abuse after launching an advertising campaign promoting a new kind of positive masculinity.

The film, called We Believe: The Best Men Can Be, was instantly viral with more than 4 million views on YouTube in 48 hours, generating both gushing praise and angry criticism.

Examples of Toxic Masculinity In Society

Toxic masculinity is a term that describes the social construct of manhood that perpetuates male dominance and entitlement.  It’s an ideology that teaches men to be self-sufficient, tough, emotionally detached, and sexually aggressive.

This type of masculinity is bad for women and for men who are pressured into this false sense of identity. Examples are;

• Men are expected to be strong and tough and not show any emotions.
•  Men should always have high-paying jobs.
•  Men should have a lot of money in the bank account.
• Women are seen as objects that men can buy or use for their own pleasure.
• The man is the head of the household, which means that he should make all decisions without consulting his wife or children, and women are seen as less valuable than men in society.
• Men are expected to do all the heavy lifting.

What Are The Characteristics Of Toxic Masculinity?

• The need to be dominant and in control.
• Aggressive attitudes are often associated with violence.
• The pursuit of power, success, and wealth at the expense of others.
•  A sense of entitlement to certain privileges or treatment.