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

Journalist Matt Shea has made documentaries and written extensively about the dangers of toxic masculinity.

From BBC

Popular discourse is dominated by phrases like “toxic masculinity,” “the male loneliness epidemic” and “male malaise.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Hostin added that Smith’s behavior wasn’t admirable but rather, an outward display of “toxic masculinity.”

From Salon

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