Understanding Toxic Masculinity: Attributes and Impacts
Toxic masculinity has become a widely discussed topic in recent years, often sparking debate and misunderstanding. While the term can be polarising, its intention is not to vilify men or masculinity itself. Rather, it refers to a set of socially reinforced beliefs and behaviours that limit emotional expression, reinforce gender inequality, and ultimately cause harm — to men and to others.
In this article, we explore the core attributes of toxic masculinity, examine its widespread impacts, and discuss why addressing these cultural norms is vital to improving individual wellbeing and fostering healthier relationships.
What Is Toxic Masculinity?
Toxic masculinity refers to culturally ingrained attitudes that promote a narrow, rigid, and often harmful definition of what it means to be a man. These attitudes uphold traits such as dominance, control, emotional suppression, and aggression as masculine ideals, while devaluing qualities like vulnerability, empathy, and cooperation.
It’s important to distinguish between masculinity and toxic masculinity. Masculinity, in its many healthy forms, can include strength, leadership, courage, and emotional resilience. Toxic masculinity distorts these traits into inflexible expectations that limit human connection and contribute to social harm.
Core Attributes of Toxic Masculinity
Emotional Suppression
Men are often taught from a young age to avoid emotional expression, especially when it comes to sadness, fear, or tenderness. Phrases like “man up” or “boys don’t cry” reinforce the belief that emotions are a sign of weakness.
Aggression and Dominance
Aggression is frequently portrayed as a marker of manhood. Competitive, domineering, and sometimes violent behaviours are idealised, while cooperation and compromise are dismissed as unmanly.
Control and Entitlement
Toxic masculinity fosters the notion that men should maintain control — in relationships, work, and public life. This can translate into entitlement over others, difficulty respecting boundaries, and resistance to vulnerability or equality.
Homophobia and Misogyny
To maintain the illusion of masculine strength, traits deemed “feminine” or “non-heteronormative” are often shamed. This results in homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny — all rooted in a fear of deviation from a rigid gender script.
Economic and Social Pressure
Men are frequently socialised to equate their worth with financial success, power, or productivity. This creates immense pressure to perform, often at the expense of mental health, relationships, and personal authenticity.
Impacts of Toxic Masculinity
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
The internalisation of toxic masculine norms can lead to emotional isolation, unresolved trauma, and increased risk of depression and anxiety. In Australia, suicide is a leading cause of death among men aged 15–44, underscoring the urgency of allowing men to access support without stigma.
Interpersonal Relationships
Emotional unavailability and rigid gender roles can significantly hinder communication and intimacy in relationships. Suppressing vulnerability often creates emotional distance, conflict avoidance, and unmet relational needs.
Social and Cultural Harm
Toxic masculinity contributes to broader social issues, including gender-based violence, workplace harassment, and systemic inequality. It reinforces structures of dominance that marginalise women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and even men who do not conform to traditional roles.
Impact on Boys and Adolescents
Boys are often taught that strength equates to stoicism and aggression. Without alternative role models or emotional education, they may grow into men who struggle with self-expression and emotional regulation, perpetuating harmful patterns across generations.
Challenging Toxic Masculinity: A Collective Responsibility
Tackling toxic masculinity requires intentional cultural and individual shifts. Here are several approaches:
- Promote emotional literacy: Encourage open conversations about feelings, particularly with boys and young men.
- Model healthy masculinity: Demonstrate that strength includes empathy, accountability, and emotional presence.
- Challenge harmful norms: Speak up when witnessing sexist, homophobic, or aggressive behaviour in personal or professional contexts.
- Support inclusive narratives: Embrace diverse expressions of gender and identity in education, media, and social spaces.
Final Thoughts
Addressing toxic masculinity is not about criticising men — it’s about freeing them. It’s about expanding the definition of masculinity to allow for a fuller, more humane experience of life. When we allow men to be emotionally expressive, connected, and compassionate, everyone benefits.
True masculinity need not be rigid or performative. It can be kind, vulnerable, and deeply human — and that, ultimately, is the strength we should strive to cultivate.
Need support or want to explore this topic further?
As a counsellor, I offer a safe and confidential space to unpack these issues and support your journey toward emotional wellbeing and relational health.
You can book a face-to-face, online or telephone session here.