What is toxic masculinity as prime minister says "we may have a problem with boys and young men"

The phrase 'toxic masculinity' has burst into public consciousness following the new hit Netflix drama 'Adolescence' which has brought fresh attention to the corrosive impact of social media and misogynist influencers on unwitting teenage boys.

The Netflix show prompted former England men's football manager, Sir Gareth Southgate to deliver a lecture in which he said "toxic influencers...trick young men."

Co-written by actor Stephen Graham, the four-part series explores the hidden radicalisation of young boys through incel culture and the "manosphere' - a series of website that promote misogyny and hyper-masculinity.

Sir Kier said: "There's a reason why the debate has suddenly sparked into life- a lot of people who work with young people at school or elsewhere, recognise that we may have a problem with boys and young men that we need to address."

But as with any topic that enters public debate and invites scrutiny, definitions often blurred and the conversation becomes muddled with personal agendas. So, Her Voice Daily has broken down the key points - unbiased and to the point. Make sure you have Your Say in the comments below.

What is Toxic Masculinity?

Toxic masculinity refers to the harmful behaviours, attitudes, and societal expectations that promote a rigid and damaging version of manhood. While masculinity in itself is not inherently harmful, toxic masculinity emerges when certain traits, such as dominance, emotional suppression, and aggression, are emphasized at the expense of healthier expressions of masculinity. These cultural pressures often reinforce negative stereotypes, leading to a range of psychological, social, and physical problems.

In recent years, discussions around toxic masculinity have grown in the public eye, sparking conversations about its impact on individuals and society. But how can we identify it, and how do we begin to tackle it? Let’s explore further.

How to Spot Toxic Masculinity

Toxic masculinity manifests in a variety of ways, and while not every man exhibits all the traits associated with it, certain behaviours are indicative of this harmful construct:

1. Emotional Suppression: One of the hallmarks of toxic masculinity is the pressure for men to hide their emotions, often leading to mental health issues. Phrases like "boys don’t cry" or "man up" encourage the idea that men should be stoic and avoid expressing vulnerability, which can lead to suppressed emotions and difficulty in forming healthy relationships.

2. Aggression and Dominance: Toxic masculinity encourages a competitive, sometimes violent approach to situations. Men who internalise these ideals may act out through physical aggression, bullying, or domineering behavior to assert power and control.

3. Sexism and Homophobia: The belief that men should be dominant over women or that showing traits associated with femininity is weak often results in harmful attitudes toward gender roles. Men who embrace toxic masculinity may also exhibit homophobia, seeing anything “unmanly” as inferior.

4. Objectifying Women: Toxic masculinity can encourage men to view women as objects for sexual conquest or emotional support, rather than as equals. This can perpetuate unhealthy relationship dynamics and reinforce gender inequality.

   
   

Is There Such a Thing as Toxic Femininity?

While much of the conversation about toxic behaviour has centred around toxic masculinity, there are some who argue that toxic femininity also exists. This concept refers to behaviours that reinforce negative stereotypes about women or impose restrictive gender roles that can be just as damaging as toxic masculinity.

Examples of toxic femininity include:

1. Playing the Victim: Women who adopt the mindset that they are always helpless or in need of saving can perpetuate dependency rather than empowerment.

2. Encouraging Self-Sacrifice: A cultural expectation that women must always put others’ needs above their own can lead to unhealthy levels of self-neglect and emotional burnout.

3. Internalised Misogyny: Women who express disdain for other women or internalise sexist beliefs, even unconsciously, are perpetuating harmful gender norms.

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While toxic femininity is less commonly discussed than toxic masculinity, both reflect the limitations that strict gender roles can impose on individuals. The ultimate goal should be to create a world where both men and women can express themselves freely, without feeling the need to conform to harmful standards.

What Can Be Done About Toxic Masculinity?

Tackling toxic masculinity requires both societal change and individual introspection. Here are several ways to address and mitigate its effects:

1. Promote Emotional Expression: Encouraging boys and men to express their emotions openly can be a powerful way to challenge toxic masculinity. Schools, families, and workplaces can create environments where emotional vulnerability is seen as a strength, not a weakness.

2. Educate and Challenge Gender Stereotypes: Media, education, and social spaces should offer more diverse representations of masculinity, showing men who are nurturing, empathetic, and emotionally complex. Representation matters, and the more positive role models there are, the easier it is to dismantle harmful stereotypes.

3. Focus on Mental Health: Supporting men’s mental health is crucial in the fight against toxic masculinity. This includes reducing the stigma around seeking help, promoting mental wellness, and providing accessible resources for men to talk about their mental and emotional well-being.

4. Encourage Healthy Relationships: Teaching young people about healthy relationships — both romantic and platonic — is key to combating toxic masculinity. Respect, communication, and empathy should be prioritized over dominance, control, and aggression.

5. Engage Men in the Conversation: Men are integral to changing the narrative around toxic masculinity. It’s important to involve men in conversations about gender equality and to create spaces where they can learn and grow without judgment. Men's advocacy groups can also help men to see the benefits of embracing healthier, more inclusive versions of masculinity.

   
   

While toxic masculinity presents a significant challenge, its impact can be mitigated with concerted effort from all corners of society. By promoting healthier expressions of manhood, challenging traditional stereotypes, and encouraging emotional expression, we can create a future where both men and women can thrive.