toxic masculinity

American  

[tok-sik mas-kyuh-lin-i-tee] / ˈtɒk sɪk ˌmæs kyəˈlɪn ɪ ti /

noun

1. a cultural concept of manliness that glorifies stoicism, strength, virility, and dominance, and that is socially maladaptive or harmful to mental health.

   Men and women both suffer when toxic masculinity perpetuates expectations that are restrictive and traumatizing.

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Usage

What does toxic masculinity mean? "Be a man. Only girls cry." This saying is an example of toxic masculinity, cultural expectations and standards of aggressive male behavior that are harmful not only to women and society but also to men themselves.

Etymology

Origin of toxic masculinity

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

On a show that mainly followed the lives of teenagers, Dane’s portrayal of troubled father Cal was scene-stealing as he navigated themes of repression, toxic masculinity and generational conflict.

From Salon

"People who are struggling with their own sexuality, particularly in male-dominated environments and toxic masculinity environments, need to see other people who are out - people like me," he said.

From BBC

Her work included scoops about Disney’s decision not to allow ads for Netflix on its TV networks, and Gillette’s move to target “toxic masculinity” in a Super Bowl commercial.

From The Wall Street Journal

Thorne has become known for penning complex portrayals of masculinity and violence, having won an Emmy and Golden Globe for his series Adolescence, with the series being made available to show in schools across the UK to help open discussions around toxic masculinity and online radicalisation.

From BBC

In “Warning Signs,” Sierra has set up an even more suspenseful tale centered on fathers, sons and the toxic masculinity that surrounds them.

From Los Angeles Times