Unravelling the notion of toxic masculinity

Article here. Excerpt:

'Steven Pinker, a Harvard professor of psychology, has expressed concerns about the oversimplification of the term ‘toxic masculinity’. He argues that repressing emotions is not inherently detrimental, and expressing emotions isn’t inherently beneficial.

He points to a vast body of research demonstrating that individuals with greater self-control, including those who suppress anger, tend to lead healthier lives in various aspects, such as academic performance and interpersonal relationships.

Similarly, British psychologist Christian Jarrett supports Pinker’s assertion that emotional self-control is linked to positive health outcomes. Jarrett critiques the APA’s stance that traditional masculinity is harmful, citing a recent APA journal article which found that young men who endorsed the masculine ideal of competitiveness, for instance, exhibited higher psychological well-being scores.

American author and philosopher Christina Hoff Sommers has also been critical of the concept of toxic masculinity. She expresses concern that the narrative around toxic masculinity negatively impacts boys’ development, causing them to feel guilty or ashamed of their inherent traits.

In their book The Boy Crisis, Farrell and Gray investigate the unique challenges faced by boys in contemporary society. The authors argue that boys are grappling with issues of identity and purpose, stemming not from an inherent toxicity of masculinity, but from the breakdown of traditional male roles and the lack of male role models.'