What is Toxic Masculinity and Why Does it Matter?

Coined in late 20th-century men's movements, toxic masculinity spread to therapeutic and social policy settings in the early 21st century. Since 2013, feminists began attributing misogyny, homophobia, and men's violence to toxic masculinity. Around the same time, feminism enjoyed renewed popularization. While some feminist scholars use the concept, it is often left under-defined. I argue that talk of toxic masculinity provides an intriguing window into gender politics in any given context. However, feminists should not adopt toxic masculinity as an analytical concept. I consider the term's origins, history, and usage, arguing that it appears in individualizing discourses that have historically targeted marginalized men. Thus, accusations of toxic masculinity often work to maintain gender hierarchies and individualize responsibility for gender inequalities to certain bad men.

Automated summary

Coined in the late 20th century men's movements, toxic masculinity has spread to therapeutic and social policy settings in the early 21st century. Feminists have begun attributing misogyny, homophobia, and men's violence to toxic masculinity since 2013, but the concept is often left unclear. Discussing toxic masculinity offers insight into gender politics, but feminists should not adopt it as an analytical concept.