Toxic masculinity is a cultural norm that involves pressures on men to behave in a certain way—often based on outdated and unrealistic stereotypes of “manliness.” This does not mean that men are toxic. However, the pressures we place on men to live up to masculine ideals have been shown to be harmful to both men and women.

According to some researchers, toxic masculinity has three core components*:

1. Toughness: The notion that men should be physically strong, behaviourally aggressive, and unemotional.

2. Antifeminity: The idea that men should reject anything considered to be feminine, such as showing emotion or accepting help.

3. Power: The assumption that men must work toward obtaining power and status (social and financial) to gain the respect of others.

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