Toxic masculinity refers to those traditional masculine norms that can be socially destructive to men, to women and to society overall. Socialization of boys can often normalize these behaviours, excusing bullying and aggression as “boys will be boys” and consequently stigmatizing and limiting the emotions boys and men may comfortably express while elevating other emotions such as anger.

A 2017 study entitled The Man Box highlighted the prevalence of these harmful preconceptions of ‘manhood’, showing that young men between 18-30 yrs often feel pressured to live up to a restrictive set of potentially harmful masculine stereotypes that can manifest in ways that cause real harm to those around them and to themselves, the repercussions of which cost the UK economy millions of pounds every year.

This concept of toxic masculinity does not condemn men or male attributes, but emphasizes the harmful effects conformity to certain traditional masculine ideal behaviours can have; overcoming this calls for a cultural shift in how society views issues such as mental health, gender roles, and gender stereotypes. Everyone can help in this cultural shift, by leading in a way that’s not masculine, feminine or representative of any gender role, but in a way that’s inclusive, supportive and healthy for all.