The Hazards of Toxic Masculinity

What is toxic masculinity?

Toxic masculinity refers to harmful behaviours and attitudes often exhibited by men that are associated with traditional societal expectations of masculinity. It includes traits like aggression, dominance, and a disregard for emotions, which can lead to harmful behaviours towards themselves and others.

The term “toxic masculinity” was popularised in the 1990s by academic writers and scholars who sought to examine the negative effects of traditional masculine norms on men and society. However, the concept has been present for much longer and can be traced back to the feminist movement of the 1970s.

Although the term has been criticised by some as being too broad and unfairly characterising all masculinity as negative, it continues to be used as a way to identify and address harmful behaviours and attitudes in men.

Toxic masculinity is a contributing factor to domestic violence

Toxic masculinity is a contributing factor to domestic violence in Australia. Research has shown that men who adhere to traditional gender roles and expectations, such as being dominant, aggressive, and controlling, are more likely to engage in violent behaviour towards their partners.

In Australia, domestic violence is a significant issue. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in four women in Australia has experienced emotional abuse by a partner, and one in six women has experienced physical or sexual violence by a partner. Men can also be victims of domestic violence, although women are more likely to experience it.

Toxic masculinity can contribute to domestic violence by perpetuating harmful attitudes and beliefs about gender roles, power, and control. Men who adhere to traditional masculine norms may feel entitled to control their partners, and they may use violence as a means of asserting that control. Toxic masculinity can also make it difficult for men to seek help for their behaviour or to acknowledge the harm they are causing, which can perpetuate the cycle of abuse.

To address domestic violence in Australia, it is important to address toxic masculinity and its effects on behaviour and attitudes. This can involve education and awareness-raising campaigns, as well as providing resources and support for victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. It can also involve challenging traditional gender roles and expectations and promoting healthier and more positive attitudes towards relationships and gender.

What does toxic masculinity look like?

These are just a few examples of how toxic masculinity can manifest in different contexts, but it is important to recognise that it can take many different forms and can have negative consequences for individuals and society as a whole.

• Relationships: Toxic masculinity can be seen in relationships when men exhibit possessiveness, jealousy, and control over their partners. It can also be seen when men refuse to express their emotions or talk about their feelings, leading to an unhealthy dynamic in the relationship.
• Workplace: Toxic masculinity can lead to a hostile work environment for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. It can be seen in the form of sexual harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
• Sports: In sports, toxic masculinity can manifest in excessive aggression and violence, as well as in the pressure to conform to a certain ideal of masculinity, such as not showing vulnerability or emotions.
• Parenting: Toxic masculinity can be seen in parenting when fathers are expected to be tough and emotionless, leading them to be less involved in their children’s lives. It can also lead to harsh and abusive parenting styles.
• Mental health: Toxic masculinity can make it difficult for men to seek help for mental health issues due to the stigma surrounding emotions and vulnerability. This can lead to men feeling isolated and unsupported, and can contribute to a higher risk of suicide.

There have been several high-profile cases in which individuals, including famous people, have exhibited behaviours and attitudes that could be considered toxic masculinity. Here are a few examples:

• Harvey Weinstein: The former Hollywood producer has been accused of numerous instances of sexual harassment, assault, and rape, which have been attributed in part to his abuse of power and toxic masculinity.
• Donald Trump: The former US president has been accused of multiple instances of sexual harassment and assault, as well as making derogatory comments about women and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about masculinity.
• Mel Gibson: The actor has been accused of domestic violence and making sexist and homophobic comments, which have been attributed in part to his adherence to traditional masculine norms.
• Chris Brown: The musician has been accused of domestic violence and exhibiting controlling and possessive behavior towards his partners, which have been attributed to his toxic masculinity.
• Kanye West: The musician has been criticised for making derogatory comments about women, promoting harmful stereotypes about masculinity, and exhibiting controlling behavior towards his partners.

How toxic masculinity impacts diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)

Toxic masculinity can have a significant impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Here are a few ways in which toxic masculinity can affect these issues:

• Gender bias: Toxic masculinity can reinforce harmful stereotypes and biases about gender, leading to discrimination and exclusion of women and non-binary individuals in the workplace and society as a whole.
• Sexual harassment and assault: Toxic masculinity can contribute to a culture of sexual harassment and assault, making it more difficult for women and non-binary individuals to feel safe and included in their workplaces and communities.
• Lack of emotional support: Toxic masculinity can discourage men from seeking emotional support or expressing vulnerability, making it more difficult to create a culture of inclusivity and support for all individuals.
• Homophobia and transphobia: Toxic masculinity can contribute to a culture of homophobia and transphobia, making it more difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals to feel included and valued in their workplaces and communities.
• Racism and xenophobia: Toxic masculinity can reinforce harmful attitudes and beliefs about race and ethnicity, leading to discrimination and exclusion of people from diverse backgrounds.

What causes toxic masculinity?

Toxic masculinity can be encouraged by a range of social and cultural factors, including:

• Traditional gender roles: Traditional gender roles that emphasise male dominance, aggression, and emotional control can reinforce toxic masculinity.
• Media and pop culture: Media and pop culture can reinforce harmful stereotypes and norms about gender and masculinity, such as portraying violence and aggression as a sign of strength and power.
• Peer pressure: Men and boys may face pressure from their peers to conform to traditional masculine norms, leading them to engage in behaviours that reinforce toxic masculinity.
• Lack of emotional support: Men may be discouraged from expressing their emotions or seeking help for mental health issues, leading them to engage in harmful behaviours or to struggle with emotional regulation.
• Structural inequality: Structural inequalities, such as sexism and racism, can contribute to a culture of toxic masculinity by reinforcing harmful attitudes and beliefs about gender and power.

Overall, toxic masculinity is a complex issue that can be influenced by a range of social and cultural factors. Addressing these factors requires a collective effort to challenge harmful stereotypes and norms, promote healthier attitudes towards gender and masculinity, and provide support and resources for individuals who may be struggling with the effects of toxic masculinity.

What to do if you experience toxic masculinity in the workplace

If you experience toxic masculinity in the workplace in Australia, there are several steps you can take to address the issue:

• Talk to a manager or HR representative: If you feel comfortable doing so, you can talk to your manager or HR representative about the behavior you are experiencing. They should take your concerns seriously and work with you to address the issue.
• Document the behavior: Keep a record of any instances of toxic masculinity you experience, including what was said or done and who was present. This can help you make a stronger case if you need to escalate the issue.
• Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend or family member about the behavior you are experiencing, or seek support from a counsellor or mental health professional. You may also want to connect with support groups or advocacy organisations that can offer guidance and resources.
• File a complaint: If the behavior persists or escalates, you may need to file a complaint with your workplace’s HR department or an external agency, such as the Australian Human Rights Commission or the Fair Work Ombudsman. They can investigate the issue and take action to address it.
• Know your legal rights: Familiarise yourself with your legal rights under Australian law, such as protections against discrimination and harassment in the workplace. This can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about how to address the issue.

Overall, addressing toxic masculinity in the workplace requires a collective effort from individuals, employers, and society as a whole. By speaking out and seeking support, you can help create a safer and more positive workplace environment for yourself and others.

A word from MHR

Toxic masculinity can have a significant impact on people nationwide by reinforcing harmful stereotypes and biases, promoting exclusionary behaviours and attitudes, and contributing to a culture of harassment and discrimination. Addressing these issues requires a collective effort to challenge harmful norms and promote healthier attitudes towards gender, identity, and diversity.