Last updated on June 28th, 2024 at 08:26 am
From aggression to emotional suppression, the signs of toxic masculinity are hidden in the thick cloak of masculinity. Here are the red flags.
Masculinity is not bad, often associated with power, strength, courage, and leadership, but it can be toxic.
Toxic masculinity is a harmful set of attitudes and behaviors that can have devastating effects on individuals and society.
It often manifests as aggression, dominance, and a lack of emotional expression.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 big signs of toxic masculinity and discuss ways to recognize and address this issue.
Table of Contents
Importance of Recognizing the Signs of Toxic Masculinity
Toxic masculinity contributes to a culture of violence, sexism, and oppression which has negative impacts both on individual well-being and societal cohesion.
In recognizing the red flags of toxic masculinity, individuals can begin to challenge and deconstruct these harmful gender norms for everyone’s mental wellbeing.
Related: What is Healthy And Positive Masculinity?
Related: 5 Reasons Why Women Prefer Beta Males As Partners
Let’s explain them individually:
1. Suppression of Emotions as a Sign of Toxic Masculinity
One of the hallmarks of toxic masculinity is the suppression of emotions and aversion to vulnerability. Men are often socialized to hide their feelings, which can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms and interpersonal difficulties.
Overcoming Suppression of Emotions
| Tips to Overcome Emotional Suppression |
|---|
| To overcome the suppression of emotions in toxic masculinity, individuals must embrace and prioritize emotional literacy. Acknowledging that vulnerability and expressing emotions is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength in oneself. It may take time and effort to unlearn harmful societal norms, but seeking out counseling or support from peers, loved ones, or mental health professionals can greatly aid in the process. Creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for oneself and others to express emotions is crucial in breaking down toxic masculinity. |
2. Aggression as one of the Signs of Toxic Masculinity
Toxic masculinity often manifests as aggression, both physical and verbal. Men may feel the need to assert their dominance through hostile behavior, which can create an atmosphere of fear and discomfort.
Related: The Effects of Gender Stereotypes Through The Ages
Overcoming Aggression
| Tips to Overcome Aggression |
|---|
| Overcoming aggression in toxic masculinity requires addressing the root causes of the behaviours. Men and boys should be taught emotional regulation and communication skills and encouraged to express vulnerability and seek help when needed. Educators, parents, and peers should challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote healthy masculinity that embraces respect, empathy, and compassion. It’s essential to create safe environments that encourage healthy relationships and discourage harmful behaviours such as bullying, harassment, and violence. |
3. Objectification of Women
The objectification of women is one of the common signs of toxic masculinity. Men may view women as objects for their pleasure or status, rather than as equal human beings.
This attitude can lead to disrespect, harassment, and even violence towards women.
Suggested: Beta Male Traits And Characteristics
Overcoming Objectification of Women
| Tips to Overcome Objectification of Women |
|---|
| Recognize women as equal human beings deserving of respect. Challenge sexist jokes, comments, and behaviors when you encounter them. Educate yourself on gender equality and women’s issues. Speak up against the objectification of women in media and advertising. Treat women with the same dignity and respect you would want for your mother, sister, or daughter. |
Related: The Benefits of Vulnerability in Men
4. Homophobia
One of the big signs of toxic masculinity homophobia. Toxic masculinity often includes a deep-seated fear and hatred of anything perceived as “unmanly” or “feminine.”
The resultant effect is homophobia, where men feel the need to aggressively assert their heterosexuality and reject or discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Related: Sigma Male vs Alpha Male
Overcoming Homophobia
| Tips to Overcome Homophobia |
|---|
| Educate yourself about LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. Challenge homophobic language and attitudes in your social circles. Speak up against discrimination and support LGBTQ+ rights. Engage with LGBTQ+ individuals and learn from their perspectives. Reflect on your own biases and work to overcome them. |
Related: The Impact of Masculinity on Society
5. Belittling Others
Belittling others is one of the signs of toxic masculinity that involves a need to feel superior to others, often expressed through belittling or demeaning behavior.
Men may put down women, minorities, or anyone they perceive as weaker in order to boost their own sense of power and control.
When individuals feel like they have to constantly defend themselves against insults and criticisms, it can be incredibly damaging to their self-esteem and mental health.
Some research has shown that victims of emotional abuse are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, as well as physical ailments like chronic pain and digestive problems.
Related: Negative Signs Of A Beta Male In Relationships
Overcoming “Belittling Others”
| Tips to Overcoming the Belittling of Others |
|---|
| Reflect on your behavior and its impact on others. Challenge negative stereotypes and promote equality. Communicate respectfully and listen to different perspectives. Surround yourself with positive role models who value respect. Seek help if you struggle with anger or insecurity issues. Promoting healthy relationships, highlighting positive male role models, and tackling harmful stereotypes can challenge the norm of toxic masculinity. |
Related: Unpacking Fragile Masculinity in Today’s Society
6. Promiscuity
As one of the signs of toxic mansculinity, promiscuity is viewing sexual conquests as a way to prove their manhood.
The effect is promiscuous behavior, objectification of sexual partners, and a lack of respect for boundaries and consent.
This leads to a lack of emotional connection with their partners and can create an unhealthy dynamic in their relationships.
Related: Real Social Dynamics (RSD): Men’s Coach And Their Controversy
Overcoming Promiscuity
| Tips for Overcoming Promiscuity |
|---|
| Reflect on your motivations and values. Seek counseling to address underlying issues. Communicate openly with partners about boundaries and expectations. Prioritize building meaningful connections over casual encounters. Surround yourself with positive role models who demonstrate healthy masculinity. Practice self-compassion and be patient with yourself during the process of change. |
Related: What Is An Alpha Male?
7. Dangerous Risk-taking as One of the Signs of Toxic Masculinity
Toxic masculinity may drive some men to engage in reckless, dangerous behaviors as a way to demonstrate their strength and bravery.
Activities like excessive drinking, reckless driving, or other high-risk actions are some of the ways it manifests.
This need to prove one’s masculinity through risky behavior can put the individual and others in harm’s way.
Overcoming Risk-taking
| Tips to Overcome Dangerous Risk-taking |
|---|
| To overcome this, you must redefine and celebrate masculinity to include emotional intelligence, empathy, and vulnerability. Educating men on the importance of balance and healthy expressions of masculinity is crucial. We can challenge harmful beliefs and behaviours by encouraging communication, promoting self-reflection, and providing positive role models. Ultimately, by promoting a more holistic understanding of masculinity, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society. |
8. Sexual Aggression Towards Women
One of the most disturbing manifestations of toxic masculinity is sexual aggression towards women.
Sexual harassment, assault, or even rape are some of the manifestions. The belief that men are entitled to women’s bodies and that “no” doesn’t mean “no” is a toxic and dangerous mindset that must be challenged.
This type of behaviour is harmful and disrespectful, and it can cause severe emotional trauma and long-term damage to a woman’s mental health.
Overcoming Sexual Aggression Towards Women
| Tips to Overcome Sexual Aggression Towards Women |
|---|
| Overcoming this toxic behavior requires education, promoting consent and respect, challenging harmful attitudes, and holding individuals accountable for their actions. This includes promoting healthy attitudes and behaviors towards women, challenging harmful gender stereotypes, and creating safe spaces for women to speak out against sexual aggression. It also requires holding perpetrators accountable for their actions through legal and social consequences. |
9. Avoiding Domestic Chores
According to a survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), women worldwide spend twice as much time as men on unpaid care work, including household chores.
Toxic also shows up with the belief that certain tasks, such as household chores or childcare, are “women’s work” and beneath a man’s dignity.
This can lead to an unequal division of labor in the home and reinforce outdated gender stereotypes that are harmful to both men and women.
Related: Why Vulnerability is Key for Alpha Males And Masculinity
Overcoming Avoidance of Domestic Chores
| Overcoming Avoidance of Domestic Chores |
|---|
| Challenge outdated gender norms and take pride in contributing equally to household tasks. Communicate openly with your partner about sharing responsibilities and be willing to learn new skills. Break down chores into manageable steps and create a routine to make them a habit. Celebrate small wins and recognize the importance of your contributions to a well-functioning home. |
10. Misogyny
Misogyny, a hatred or dislike of women, is a manifestation of toxic masculinity.
It stems from the belief that women are inferior to men and should be controlled or subjugated.
Misogyny often leads to discrimination, harassment, and violence against women.
It is a harmful and unacceptable attitude that perpetuates gender inequality and undermines the rights and dignity of women.
It also reinforces harmful gender roles and perpetuates stereotypes that limit both men’s and women’s potential.
Overcoming Misogyny
| Tips to Overcome Misogyny |
|---|
| To overcome misogyny as one of the signs of toxic masculinity, we must challenge and dismantle the underlying beliefs and attitudes that support it. This involves promoting gender equality, challenging harmful gender stereotypes, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. Men must recognize the harm caused by misogyny and actively work to promote gender equality in all areas of life. |
11. Penchant for Dominance
Penchant for dominance is excessive need to assert power, control, and authority over others, often at the expense of empathy, cooperation, and mutual respect.
This behavior is toxic manliness and can manifest in various forms, such as aggression, intimidation, and the suppression of alternative perspectives.
It is considered harmful as it perpetuates gender-based inequalities and can lead to the marginalization and oppression of others.
Overcoming Penchance for Dominance
| Tips to Overcome Penchance for Dominance |
|---|
| Practice active listening and empathy to understand others’ perspectives. Delegate tasks and empower team members to build trust. Admit mistakes and be open to feedback to foster collaboration. Cultivate patience and flexibility to adapt to changing situations. Seek out diverse opinions and be willing to compromise for better outcomes. |
12. Aversion to Vulnerability
Aversion to vulnerability, a sign of toxic manliness, is the reluctance to express emotions, seek help, or admit weaknesses.
This behavior emanates from the societal pressure on men to appear strong, stoic, and self-sufficient, often at the expense of their well-being.
Overcoming Aversion to Vulnerability
| Tips to Overcome Aversion to Vulnerability |
|---|
| Embrace self-compassion: Recognize that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Start small: Take gradual steps to open up and share your feelings with trusted individuals. Reframe your mindset: View vulnerability as an opportunity for personal growth and deeper connections. Practice self-awareness: Reflect on your fears and insecurities to understand the root causes. |
Related: Habit that Erodes Masculine Energy
Final Thoughts
Signs of toxic masculinity are everywhere. It is a harmful set of attitudes and behaviors that can have devastating effects on individuals and society.
By recognizing the red flags and signs of toxic masculinity, we can challenge these norms, promote healthier masculinity, and create a more just and equitable world.
It’s time to redefine what it means to be a man and embrace a kinder, more compassionate vision of masculinity.
References:
- 11 Relationship Red Flags You Should Never Ignore
- 15 Relationship Red Flags In A Man To Be Watchful Of
- Seven Signs You Have Succumbed to Toxic Masculinity
- 4 ways toxic masculinity can show up in your relationship
- 15 Deadly Signs of an Immature Man
Pyo Merez (PsyD) is a distinguished adolescent and adult psychologist at the forefront of mental health advocacy.
With expertise in cognitive and developmental psychology, focusing on social relationships, cultural contexts, and individual differences, Pyo has dedicated his career to empowering adolescents and adults.
As a sought-after speaker and panelist, Pyo shares invaluable insights on issues affecting young people, contributing to a deeper understanding of mental health and well-being in today's society.
