Toxic masculinity is a concept that describes a set of harmful attitudes and behaviors often associated with traditional masculine gender roles. It’s not about masculinity itself, but rather a specific, damaging form of it that perpetuates dominance, aggression, and the suppression of emotions. This can negatively impact individuals of all genders and have serious social consequences.
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While definitions vary, toxic masculinity generally revolves around three core ideas:
- Toughness: The expectation that men should be physically strong, emotionally stoic, and behaviorally aggressive.
- Antifemininity: The rejection of anything considered traditionally feminine, including showing emotion, accepting help, and expressing vulnerability.
- Power: The pursuit of power, status (social and financial), and dominance to gain respect from others.
The Glorification of Unhealthy Habits
Toxic masculinity often glorifies unhealthy habits, portraying self-care and seeking medical attention as feminine traits. This can lead to men neglecting their physical and mental well-being. A 2011 study revealed that men holding strong beliefs about masculinity were significantly less likely to seek preventative healthcare compared to those with more moderate views.
This mindset promotes the idea that “real” men should treat their bodies like machines, enduring on minimal sleep, pushing through injuries, and constantly exceeding their physical limits.
Research further suggests that conforming to these masculine norms encourages risky behaviors like heavy drinking, tobacco use, and unhealthy diets. Men influenced by toxic masculinity often perceive these choices as normal or even desirable.
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The Stigmatization of Mental Illness and Healthcare
A significant consequence of toxic masculinity is the stigmatization of mental illness and reluctance to seek help. Conditions like depression, anxiety, substance use issues, and other mental health problems are often viewed as weaknesses to be suppressed.
A 2015 study highlighted that men subscribing to traditional notions of masculinity held more negative attitudes toward seeking mental health services than those with more flexible gender perspectives.
This pressure can also discourage men from discussing their feelings, leading to increased isolation and loneliness. It reduces their willingness to reach out and get help when experiencing a mental health crisis.
The Roles of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender
A man’s race and ethnicity can influence both his understanding of masculinity and how others perceive him. For example, a 2013 study found that, among white college students, Asian-American men were often perceived as less manly than their white or Black American peers.
The pressure to be stoic and a good provider can result in “John Henryism” in African-American men, referring to coping with chronic stress and discrimination through high effort. However, a 2016 study linked this coping mechanism to an increased risk of hypertension and depression.
Boys from all racial and ethnic backgrounds who don’t conform to traditional masculine expectations may experience harassment at school.
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The 2015 National School Climate Survey revealed that 85% of LGBTQ+ students reported verbal harassment at school based on their gender expression or sexual orientation. Gender non-conforming students reported even worse treatment than those conforming to traditional gender norms within the LGBTQ+ community.
Impact on Helping Behavior
Men who strongly identify with traditional masculinity are less likely to engage in “helping behavior,” such as intervening in bullying or assaults.
A 2019 study showed that toxic masculinity can deter men from consoling victims, seeking assistance, or confronting perpetrators. Men who believed in strength and aggression were more likely to perceive negative social consequences for intervening as active bystanders.
In cases of sexual assault, men strongly aligned with masculine behaviors were less likely to intervene, fearing their reputation as traditionally masculine might be compromised.
Examples of Toxic Masculinity
Toxic masculinity manifests in various settings, including relationships, schools, and workplaces. Some examples include:
- Bullying a boy for being “too feminine.”
- Telling a boy to “toughen up” when he cries.
- Using derogatory terms for women who have sex outside of monogamous relationships.
- Controlling a partner’s clothing, activities, and relationships.
- Violence against trans women.
- Criticizing men for being attracted to trans women.
- Avoiding emotional vulnerability in relationships.
- Refusing mental health treatment to “man up.”
The APA’s Guidelines
The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes the detrimental consequences of societal pressures on men. They have developed guidelines for psychological practices to address problems linked to toxic masculinity.
Drawing on over 40 years of research, the APA suggests that traditional masculinity is psychologically harmful, and socializing boys to suppress their emotions causes both internal and external damage.
Research indicates that when stereotypes and cultural expectations are removed, fundamental behavioral differences between men and women are minimal. Studies show that men enjoy caring for children as much as women.
Emotional displays between boys and girls show relatively small differences, and not always in stereotypical ways. For instance, a 2013 study found that adolescent boys displayed fewer externalizing emotions like anger than adolescent girls.
The APA’s guidelines aim to help psychologists support men in breaking free from harmful masculinity rules.
Conclusion
Toxic masculinity is a harmful construct with significant consequences for individuals and society. Recognizing its influence and seeking help from mental health professionals can be crucial for breaking free from unhealthy patterns, dangerous behaviors, and harmful beliefs. If you believe you are experiencing negative effects related to toxic masculinity, reaching out for professional help can provide valuable support.
