New Study Challenges Common Perceptions of 'Toxic Masculinity'
Psychologists are calling for more precise definitions of the term "toxic masculinity," arguing that its vague and casual usage obscures crucial differences in attitudes and behaviors among men. A groundbreaking large-scale study reveals that the most extreme and harmful manifestations of this concept are far less prevalent than public discourse often suggests.
The Evolution of a Controversial Term
The phrase "toxic masculinity" originated in the 1980s as a label for certain traditional masculine patterns, such as aggression, that become harmful to society when taken to extremes. Over recent decades, the term has expanded in popular usage to encompass various behaviors, including emotional unavailability and reluctance to participate in household chores—issues that researchers note are significantly different from more severe problems like sexual violence.
According to psychologists studying this concept, the casual application of "toxic masculinity" has created several drawbacks. One major concern is that it may incorrectly imply that masculinity itself is inherently harmful or that all men share identical values. Additionally, this broad usage often overlooks how cultural contexts shape diverse understandings of masculinity across different societies.
Groundbreaking Research Methodology
For years, there were few scholarly instruments capable of accurately measuring levels of toxic masculinity. This changed in 2024 when psychologist Steven Sanders and his team developed an assessment based on responses from US college students. Building on this foundation, University of Auckland Psychology doctoral candidate Deborah Hill Cone led a comprehensive study analyzing data from the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study conducted in 2018 and 2019.
The research examined responses from nearly 50,000 participants, including over 15,000 heterosexual men who answered questions about gender identity, social ideology, and attitudes toward others. The study identified eight factors contributing to toxic masculinity: prejudice against sexual minorities, rigid views on gender identity, and both hostile and "benevolent" forms of sexism.
Surprising Findings About Prevalence
Using sophisticated statistical analysis, researchers categorized the male participants into five distinct profiles. The largest group, comprising more than one-third of respondents, showed minimal evidence of toxic traits and was labeled "atoxic." Only a small fraction—approximately 3.2 percent—fell into the most extreme "hostile toxic" category, characterized by high scores in hostility, discrimination, and opposition to equality.
Between these extremes were moderate groups holding conventional yet non-aggressive views toward women, along with others displaying varying levels of tolerance toward LGBTQ+ individuals. Importantly, the study found that simply desiring to feel "manly" did not automatically correlate with holding harmful beliefs.
Social Factors Behind Extreme Attitudes
Another significant discovery involved the demographic profile of the most hostile group. Contrary to assumptions linking toxic masculinity with wealth or social power, this profile was more common among older, single, unemployed, or economically disadvantaged men. Many in this group reported emotional struggles or had lower educational attainment.
Researchers suggest these findings indicate that toxic behaviors may be more closely associated with social marginalization than with privilege, adding important nuance to discussions about gender and power dynamics.
Implications for Future Discourse
This research provides valuable insights into a term frequently used without clear definition. While confirming that extreme forms of toxic masculinity do exist, the study demonstrates they are relatively rare phenomena. Psychologists emphasize that moving beyond catch-all labels toward more precise measurement and understanding can help address genuine issues without perpetuating harmful stereotypes about men or masculinity.
