TOXIC MASCULINITY

AND ITS EFFECTS ON

WOMEN AND SOCIETY
Toxic masculinity refers to harmful and restrictive
expectations of masculinity that negatively impact both
men and women. This includes attitudes and
behaviours that uphold traditional gender roles,
leading to harmful behaviours such as aggression,
violence, and harassment.
UNMASKING TOXIC
MASCULINITY

NAKKA VENKATA BAVYA SRI

MB227236
 Being stoic-
Men are constantly given the message that they must be self-reliant,
independent, physically tough etc. Men are told that to be in this way, will
make them successful in terms of business, society, and finding a partner.
Being vulnerable will cause men to be ridiculed.
Being violent-
Statistically, men commit significantly more violent crime than women.

Types of
There are numerous reasons for this, but there are clear links between male
instigated violence and the need men have to use aggression and violence to
prove their masculinity and prove confidence in their masculine identity.
Toxic Being dominant-

masculinity
To be preoccupied with power and dominance to a point that it causes harm
to others, such as verbal, physical and online bullying. One study found that
over a quarter of men thought they should have the final word in
relationships, over a third of men believed that they had the right to know
where their female partner was at all times.
Sexual aggression towards women-
Men who conform to toxic masculinity standards are more likely to force
women sexually, be dominating and do not care of the consent and feelings
of women.
Not displaying emotions-
Emotion is treated as being a feminine characteristic. hiding emotions is seen as true manliness. From
childhood, males are shamed to conform with the standard that to show emotion is weak and feminine.
Risk taking-
Connected to male dominance, toxic masculinity encourages taking risks to demonstrate dominance, men who
buy into this are more likely to take extreme measures such as perpetrate violence, drive dangerously, gamble,
abuse drugs, smoke and drink.
Not engaging in household chores and caregiving-
Housework and childrearing are seen as feminine qualities. Being asked to do a feminine deemed task such as
housework, a man being criticized by a woman for not cleaning appropriately is often interpreted as an
emasculating assault and provokes a masculine overcompensation response.
Physically harassing women-
Men who conform to toxic masculinity standards are more into harassing women physically, domestic violence
and be dominating in each and every way possible is called being more manly.
TOXIC MASCULINITY AND ITS IMPACT ON WOMEN

SHREEYA B S
MB227246
 • Since men are told to behave a certain way and are
told that they are much more stronger and capable
than women, many men think its right to abuse
EFFECTS OF power on women and be aggressive towards them
and have the right to do anything with women.
TOXIC • Married men are told that their spouse should not
be in contact with opposite gender. Even if they
MASCULINI talk to any opposite gender many men abuse and
hit their spouse and in some cases wont even let
TY ON their spouse out of the house and make them
starve for days.
WOMEN • Women’s voices are suppressed as they become a
victim of abuse. Many women go through anxiety,
suicide, depression, increased risky behaviour.
REAL LIFE EXAMPLE OF ABUSE
Abi Blake was nearly killed by her abusive husband, so she decided to break up with him and file a complaint.
Just a few months after her first date, she ignored the suspicions of her friends and family and married the man she
called a ‘‘prince‘‘.
For a long time, Abi started ignoring everything, making excuses and focusing on the things she loved.
He took her on dates, bought her flowers, cooked for her, but once the abuse began, he could hardly ignore her.
Once, when she returned from a meeting with friends, she turned around to find cocaine on her son's desk and
bottles of drink on the floor.
She asked for an explanation and her husband got angry, he slapped her hard then he covered her mouth and told
her to shut up. Abi was trying to cover the bruise with a long sleeve shirt and scarf.
Her husband kicked and stomped on her body with such force that it damaged her spinal cord, punctured her lung
and broke her ribs.
He told her to stay silent, but thanks to the help of neighbours, she was saved.
She now has permanent spinal cord damage and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
DISMANTLING TOXIC
MASCULINITY AND
GENDER INEQUALITY

BHAVANI.G
MB227214
 The term “toxic masculinity” points to a particular version of
masculinity that is unhealthy for the men and boys who
conform to it, and harmful for those around them.
The phrase emphasizes the worst aspects of stereotypically
TOXIC masculine attributes. Toxic masculinity is represented by
MASCULINITY qualities such as violence, dominance, emotional illiteracy,
sexual entitlement, and hostility to femininity.
REINFORCES
GENDER NORMS This version of masculinity is seen as “toxic” for two
reasons. First, it is bad for women. It shapes sexist and
THAT LIMIT patriarchal behaviours, including abusive or violent treatment
WOMEN’S of women. Toxic masculinity thus contributes to gender
OPPORTUNITIES inequalities that disadvantage women and privilege men.
Second, toxic masculinity is bad for men and boys
themselves. Narrow stereotypical norms constrain men’s
physical and emotional health and their relations with
women, other men, and children.
GENDER INEQUALITY
Sadly, girls around the world are kept from attending school in favor of gender roles related
to their role in household chores and the position of girls in society. Their voices are
undervalued if heard at all. Their childhoods are stolen, and the countries where they live
are robbed of their talent and potential. This reduced access to education has long-term
consequences for the future of girls. Inequality cuts girls’ futures short – when girls are
excluded from receiving an education, their ability to earn a living and become independent
is drastically limited. Without equal opportunities to learn, income inequality and
dependence on men to provide keeps girls in a cycle of poverty and confinement to their
homes to perform unpaid domestic labor. Lack of outside opportunities limits the ability of
girls to reach their ambitions. In extreme scenarios, such as in sub-Saharan Africa and
Western Asia, girls of every age are more likely to be excluded from education than boys.
For every 100 boys out of school in these regions, 115 and 123 girls, respectively, are
denied the right to education due to deeply ingrained gender norms
THE INTERSECTION OF
OPPRESSION AND
MARGINALIZATION

VAIBHAVI CHOWDULA
MB227250
EFFECT OF TOXIC MASCULINITY ON
MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES

• Unfortunately, the effects of toxic masculinity

are felt most acutely by marginalised
communities, particularly those of colour,
those living in poverty, and those who identify
as LGBTQ+.
• For example, it can make it more difficult for
marginalised individuals to find employment,
as employers may be more likely to hire
those who conform to traditional gender
roles.
• Toxic masculinity can also be a barrier to
accessing health services, educational
opportunities, and other resources. People
from marginalised communities may be less
likely to seek help for mental health issues
• The LGBTQ+ community also faces unique
challenges due to toxic masculinity. This is
because toxic masculinity places a
premium on traditional gender roles
• This can result in intense feelings of
isolation, depression, and fear. as many
transgender and gender non-conforming
individuals are unable to find acceptance
and safety.
• Ultimately, toxic masculinity is incredibly
damaging to marginalised communities,
and its effects should not be overlooked. It
is important to recognise the ways in which
it perpetuates oppression and
discrimination, and to take action to
address it.
EXPOSING TOXIC
MASCULINITY:
EXAMINING ITS
PERPETUATION IN
DIFFERENT SETTINGS

AMIRA JAHAN
MB227204
 When we talk about toxic masculinity, we refer to a set of behaviours and attitudes that
are damaging to both individuals and society as a whole. It’s important to recognize how
toxic masculinity is perpetuated in different settings, including the workplace, media, and
social interactions.

Unravelling • Workplace: Toxic masculinity is often perpetuated by male bosses who objectify
women and create an environment of competition rather than cooperation. It can

Toxic manifest in various ways, such as workplace bullying, sexual harassment, and
discrimination against women and minorities. Men may feel pressure to conform to
traditional masculine norms, such as being competitive, aggressive, and unemotional,

Masculinity: which can create a hostile work environment for women and other marginalized
groups.

The Ways it is • Social interactions: Toxic masculinity can also be perpetuated through social
interactions, such as in peer groups, sports teams, and other male-dominated
environments. Men are often pressured to conform to traditional masculine norms,
Perpetuated in such as suppressing emotions and demonstrating physical strength, which can lead to
harmful behaviours such as bullying, hazing, and aggression towards others.

Different • Social media: Social media can be a breeding ground for toxic masculinity, as
individuals can use these platforms to promote harmful stereotypes and behaviours.

Settings • The Media: Media plays a significant role in perpetuating toxic masculinity. Popular
culture is filled with images of hyper-masculinity, with the male body being used as an
object of desire. This objectification of men can lead to the belief that traditional
masculine traits, such as strength and toughness, are necessary to be seen as a “real”
man. In addition, the media often portrays men as aggressors and women as victims.
 Movies Portrayal
Movies can also perpetuate toxic masculinity through their portrayal of
male characters. In action movies, for example, male characters are
often shown as being aggressive, violent, and unemotional,
perpetuating harmful stereotypes about masculinity. Similarly, in
romantic comedies, male characters are often shown as being dominant
and controlling, perpetuating harmful attitudes towards women.
The Fast and the Furious franchise: The Fast and the Furious franchise is
known for its portrayal of hyper-masculine male characters who engage
in high-speed car chases, street racing, and acts of violence.
The James Bond franchise: The James Bond franchise has been criticized
for its portrayal of the titular character as a hyper-masculine figure who
objectifies women, engages in violence, and uses his sexuality to
manipulate others.
KGF: This Kannada movie portrays the lead character Rocky as a violent
and aggressive person who engages in criminal activities to assert his
dominance and power over others.
While the films have been praised for their depiction of the underdog
narrative, they have also been criticized for perpetuating harmful
stereotypes about masculinity, such as the idea that men need to be
physically strong and emotionally unresponsive to be successful.
STRATEGIES FOR
PROMOTING POSITIVE
MASCULINITY

KJ RAJASHREE IYENGAR
MB227226
 Impacts of toxic masculinity

Toxic masculinity in the workplace directly impacts workplace culture, creating unsafe,
Strategies for non-inclusive environments for all employees. To address this problem, you first need to
understand how it shows up in the workplace, from a “tough guy” attitude to a need to
addressing toxic get ahead. Addressing toxic masculinity and behaviours in the workplace requires the
effort of both employees and employers, as they work hand-in-hand to interrupt bias and
masculinity and set clear expectations of workplace behaviour.

promoting Promoting healthy masculinity

healthier models of • One of the aspects to promote healthy masculinity is boundary. How to set
masculinity boundaries, in real time—how to knock down threats big and small, as they occur.
Maybe someone wants to give you advice, or slide a judgement your way, or tell you
including education what you should or shouldn’t do. The ability to say no, without needing to apologize
for the fact that it might sting—this is an aspect of healthy masculine empowerment.
and awareness This is probably the hardest aspect of masculine power to connect with, because it
requires the willingness to disappoint and upset others. It requires you to face your
raising advocacy aversion to conflict.
for policy changes • Expression is the other aspect of a healthier model of masculinity. It’s the physical,
and community- felt confidence of the ability to penetrate any situation with our consciousness. We
impose onto the world our sense of what should be, or what wants to be through us.
based interventions This is what you might call a kind of physical confidence. It’s the knowledge that you
can and will bring your truth to the situation, that you will be received, that your truth
will compete with other truths, and that you will guide and control the course of
events based on your desire and particular wisdom.
Here are some ways in which we can speak
up about toxic masculinity:
• Education and awareness: Education and awareness-raising campaigns can help to
increase understanding and awareness of the harmful effects of toxic masculinity. This
can include workshops, training, and public campaigns that promote healthy and
respectful relationships between men and women.
• Creating safe spaces: Creating safe spaces for women to share their experiences and
connect with others can help to reduce the impact of toxic masculinity. This can include
support groups, online forums, and other community-based initiatives.
• Advocacy and activism: Advocacy and activism can help to create change at the policy
level and promote a more inclusive and equitable society. This can include lobbying for
legislative change, supporting feminist movements and organizations, and advocating for
more diversity and representation in leadership positions.
Feminism is not just about advocating for equal rights for
women, but also about creating a society that values
diversity, inclusion, and equality. Feminism recognizes
that men are also harmed by patriarchal norms and
expectations, and that challenging toxic masculinity is
important for creating a society that is safer, healthier,
and more equitable for everyone.