Toxic masculinity is a term used in Mental Health, psychology, sociology, and gender studies to describe a narrow, rigid set of cultural expectations about “being a man” that can be harmful to men themselves and to others.
It does not mean that masculinity itself is toxic. Rather, it refers to specific norms that discourage healthy emotional expression, relational connection, and adaptive coping.
Core Features of Toxic Masculinity
These norms often include:
1. Emotional Suppression
- Belief that men should not cry, feel fear, or express vulnerability
- Emotions framed as weakness, except for anger
2. Dominance and Control
- Pressure to assert power over others
- Difficulty with equality in relationships
- Control mistaken for strength
3. Aggression as Identity
- Anger and violence normalized as masculine responses
- Conflict resolved through intimidation rather than communication
4. Self-Reliance to the Point of Isolation
- “Handle it yourself” mentality
- Avoidance of help-seeking, including therapy or medical care
5. Sexual Entitlement or Performance Pressure
- Worth tied to sexual conquest or performance
- Difficulty with intimacy, consent, or emotional closeness
Why It’s Considered “Toxic”
These norms are labeled toxic because they are associated with:
- Higher rates of depression and suicide in men
- Substance abuse
- Intimate partner violence
- Difficulty forming emotionally secure relationships
- Poor physical and mental health outcomes
Importantly, men are often the primary victims of these expectations.
What Toxic Masculinity Is Not
- Not “men are bad”
- Not an attack on masculinity
- Not biological destiny
It is about social conditioning, not inherent traits.
Healthy Masculinity (by Contrast)
Healthy masculinity allows for:
- Emotional range and vulnerability
- Strength without domination
- Accountability and empathy
- Cooperation and mutual respect
- Courage paired with self-reflection
Clinical / Trauma-Informed Lens
From a psychological perspective, toxic masculinity can be understood as:
- A defensive identity structure
- Often formed in environments where:
- Vulnerability was punished
- Emotional attunement was absent
- Power was required for safety
In this sense, it can function similarly to a trauma-adapted survival strategy, rather than a moral failing.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 