Is Masculinity Toxic?

In the wake of the #MeToo movement and the upsurge in feminist and mens rights activism, traditional masculinity has become a topic of impassioned debate. But what exactly do we mean by masculinity and in what ways can it be said to be harmful? This incisive volume evaluates modern masculinitys capacity for good against its potential for destruction. It reviews evolving definitions of masculinity since the age of chivalry and examines our current expectations about mens behaviours, roles and responsibilities. It reveals societal pressure on men to act aggressively, suppress emotion and be in control, and the impact of being a real man on self and others.

The Big Idea shortlisted for series design in the British Design and Production AwardsIn the wake of the #MeToo movement and the upsurge in feminist and men's rights activism, traditional masculinity has become a topic of impassioned debate. But what exactly do we mean by 'masculinity' and in what ways can it be said to be harmful? This incisive volume evaluates modern masculinity's capacity for good against its potential for destruction. It reviews evolving definitions of masculinity since the age of chivalry and examines our current expectations about men's behaviours, roles and responsibilities. It reveals societal pressure on men to act aggressively, suppress emotion and be in control, and the impact of being a 'real man' on self and others.