What is Toxic Masculinity?
Toxic masculinity is a term used to describe cultural norms and expectations of traditional manhood which are destructive to both men and women. These patterns of behavior consistently rely on power, dominance, and aggression, as well as a refusal to show emotion, often causing physical and emotional health problems. Those who adhere to these traditional notions of masculinity are typically seen as “tough,” “strong,” or “unemotional.” These societal norms of what is expected of men can have long-term effects on their mental health.
The Roots of Toxic Masculinity
Toxic masculinity has been around since ancient times. In Ancient Greece, for example, traditional manhood was considered to be an aggressive and violent nature, which was seen as an essential part of power, control and strength. As time progressed, the same notions of manhood were seen throughout popular culture, with oppressive gender roles perpetuating a stereotype of what it meant to be a man.
The Effects of Toxic Masculinity on Men’s Mental Health
It is no secret that toxic masculinity has far reaching mental health effects on those who subscribe to it. Studies have found that those who adhere to this toxic ‘macho’ mentality often struggle with anxiety, depression, and fear of failure. This is partially due to the expectation that men should be unfeeling, uncompromisingly strong, and unwilling to show any sign of weakness.
The Suppression of Emotions
One of the most damaging aspects of toxic masculinity is the belief that men should be emotionally stoic. This internalized belief can have serious consequences, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and even rage.
The repression of emotions, as well as an inability to express them in an appropriate way, can lead to increased stress levels, which can worsen existing mental health issues. This can put men at higher risk of suicide, addiction, and self-destructive behavior.
The Pressure to Be “Tough”
Another dangerous notion of toxic masculinity is that men should be “tough” in order to be taken seriously or respected. This expectation puts pressure on men to put on a face that they are invincible, revealing no vulnerability. This often leads to severe mental health issues, such as low self-esteem, isolation, aggression and impulsiveness. The combination of these factors can quickly spiral into a dangerous situation, with some men resorting to self-harm or destructive behavior.
The Need to Be “Manly”
The idea of “manliness” has also been linked to toxic masculinity. Men can feel a strong pressure to conform to a certain type of behavior in order to be accepted. This often puts pressure on men to be hyper-masculine, which can ultimately lead to feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and isolation.
The Impacts of Toxic Masculinity on Relationships
The effects of toxic masculinity in relationships can be profound. Due to the belief that men should remain emotionally invulnerable, feelings of vulnerability can often be expressed as aggression, which can lead to conflict in relationships. This often creates an environment of mistrust, which can lead to threats or actual physical violence.
In some cases, men may also feel that they must always be “in control” of their relationships and show dominance to maintain respect. This can cause inflexibility and a lack of communication, which can create an environment of fear and manipulation.
Breaking the Cycle
In order to address the issues caused by toxic masculinity, it is important to first recognize that it exists and that it can have a severe impact on men’s mental health. Men should be encouraged to be open and honest about their emotions, and to seek support from those around them. It is also essential to have conversations about feelings, relationships and sexuality to combat the ingrained stereotypes of what it means to be a man.
Toxic masculinity is a set of cultural expectations that can cause serious and lasting mental health issues for men. By recognizing the symptoms and breaking the cycle, men can be empowered to be their true selves and embrace their emotional needs. Though the effects of toxic masculinity can be devastating, it is possible to overcome the negative messages and celebrate men in all of their varied and unique forms.
