Toxic Masculinity and Masculinity in Crisis

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Nov 24, 2024

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Toxic Masculinity and Masculinity in Crisis: Implications for Social Work Practice Introduction Beneath the veneer of strength and stoicism lies a crisis of masculinity, where rigid norms and harmful expectations trap men in a cycle of emotional suppression, unhealthy risk-taking, and diminished well-being. Toxic masculinity and masculinity in crisis are contemporary issues that have gained significant attention in the discourse surrounding gender roles and expectations. Rates of violence, particularly among men, are alarmingly high. According to the World Health Organization, men are more likely to perpetrate and be victims of homicide than women. This prevalence of violence can be attributed, in part, to the normalization of aggression and violence as masculine traits (Marsiglia et al., 2021). This essay aims to elucidate the meaning of toxic masculinity, examine the concept of masculinity in crisis, and explore the implications of these phenomena for social work practice. In doing so, we will delve into specific examples such as unemployed husbands and house husbands to illustrate the real-world implications of these concepts. Toxic masculinity and a masculinity in crisis challenge well-being. Thus, social work must promote emotional intelligence, challenge stereotypes, and foster inclusivity. Toxic Masculinity: A Brief Overview Toxic masculinity, coined by Shepherd Bliss in late 20th-century men's movements, describes harmful behaviors associated with traditional masculinity. According to Harrington (2021) it encompasses cultural norms promoting aggression, dominance, emotional suppression, and the rejection of vulnerability. This term signifies behaviors detrimental to men and their surroundings, gaining prominence in therapeutic and policy settings. These norms often dictate that men must conform to rigid standards of toughness, dominance, and emotional suppression. The toxicity arises when these expectations lead to behaviors such as aggression, sexism, and an aversion to vulnerability ( Harrington, 2021). Thus, toxic masculinity is often associated with the idea that men who lack adequate fathering or positive male mentorship may pursue unrealistic cultural images of masculinity, leading to a constant need to prove their manhood. Therapeutic approaches and policy prescriptions have historically suggested that engaging men with fatherhood and providing them with positive male role models can act as an antidote to toxic masculinity. Thus, men who adhere strictly to these

norms may find themselves constrained by societal expectations, limiting their emotional expression and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Masculinity in Crisis: A Shifting Landscape The conventional thought of masculinity experiences a identity crisis in a time of changing gender roles and societal norms, raising doubt about the profoundly implanted assumptions put on guys and requiring a reexamine of masculinity. According to Chant's (2000) affirmation, the thought of masculinity in crisis typifies the constant change of gender roles, presenting huge obstructions for men to adapt to these progressive changes in the public eye. As indicated by Chant, the ongoing battle for uniformity is testing past gender norms that brought about the crisis of masculinity. Traditional male jobs are confounded by moving family connections and the economy, which influences purpose and identity. Thus, the worldview perceives that guys have psychological well-being issues while exploring changing cultural principles that oppose assumptions. Along these lines, the crisis underscores that it is so critical to make comprehensive encouraging groups of people and rethink normal practices to assist men with acclimating to extremist changes in gender roles. Unemployed Husbands: Economic Pressures and Identity Struggles One concrete example of masculinity in crisis is the phenomenon of unemployed husbands. Historically, men's identity has been linked to providing for their families. Economic changes, technology, and job market shifts, as noted by Cunradi et al. (2009), contribute to a rise in male unemployment, causing a crisis of identity amid societal expectations tied to financial success. The article by Hong Kong news presents the changing temperament of men, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by unemployed men and the impact on their mental health (Yinglin , 2018). It highlights the increased willingness of men to seek help, particularly in Hong Kong, where the film "Uncle Against the Current" has brought attention to the mental struggles of middle-aged men facing issues in love, family, and career. According to Yinglin (2018) men increasingly seek mental health help, up by 50% in a decade. Middle-aged men grapple with family, career pressures, and unemployment, leading to guilt, inferiority, and suicidal thoughts. Mid-life crises prompt unconventional coping, like hiring prostitutes. Family and social support play a crucial role. However, according to Mitchell (2014) social workers substantially play a

crucial role in supporting unemployed husbands. Mitchell suggests aiding the psychological impact of job loss, developing skills for career transitions, and challenging gender norms. Social workers can reshape expectations and promote a more inclusive masculinity. House Husbands: Redefining Gender Roles Conversely, house husbands defy traditional orientation roles by assuming domestic responsibilities often associated with women. Although this change is a start in the right direction toward orientation equity, Carreiro (2021) notes that it might also be accompanied with shame and cultural scrutiny. Conventional orientation professions often provide a sense of personality and a place for people in addition to being interwoven with orientation aspects. As a result, as Carreiro (2021) illustrates, this sensitivity may cause anxiety and misgivings, which may manifest as shame and unfavorable opinions toward those who accept new orientation jobs. As a result, househusbands may struggle with their manliness, facing criticism and addressing their ability to perform traditionally roles entangled to men. Hence, social workers can address the requirements of house spouses by advancing community awarenes and acknowledgment of assorted family structures (Mitchell, 2014). Also, they can give advising to assist with lodging spouses explore cultural assumptions and foster survival strategies to manage likely disgrace. By effectively testing stereotypes and upholding for the destroying of inflexible gender roles, social workers add to establishing a more comprehensive and steady environment for people challenging traditional masculinity norms. Implications for Social Work Practice: In this instance, there is a common understanding on the impact on mental health and meaningful expression between househusbands and unemployed spouses. According to Harrington (2021), detrimental manliness frequently prevents men from asking for assistance or admitting when they are weak, which leads to more serious problems with their mental health. According to Harrington, toxic masculinity prevents men from seeking help due to cultural pressure, fears of appearing weak, shame associated with mental health, limited access to administrations, and a belief in handling problems on one's own. In order to create a stable environment for men's prosperity, Harrington pushes for a move away from harmful masculinity, the advancement of near-home education, help-chasing, and inciting emotional wellbeing stigma.

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Accordingly, social workers, knowledgeable in societal assumptions' effect on emotional wellness, can help in making places of refuge for men. With getting it, they can empower emotional articulation, support-seeking, and challenging destructive standards. Subsequently, by destroying obstructions, social specialists encourage a groundbreaking cycle, sustaining better masculinity perspective points of view, and improving overall mental prosperity. According to Pearson (2019), social workers must comprehend both harmful and crisis masculinity in order to effectively manage the unique challenges that men face in today's society. The need for orientation-sensitive treatment and direction approaches is one pressing viewpoint. Consequently, social workers should be ready to identify and confront toxic masculinity, enabling men to explore a wider range of emotions and behaviors without fear of criticism. One way to encourage self-reflection and mindfulness in treatment meetings could be to incorporate orientation guidelines discussions. Moreover, social workers accept a fundamental part in testing social plans that support crisis masculinity (Marsiglia et al., 2021). This consolidates supporting for approaches that advance direction correspondence and mindfulness missions to challenge dangerous speculations. By taking part in local area exertion and tutoring, social workers can add to obliterating the unbending orientation standards that add to harmful masculinity and the crisis of masculinity. Conclusion Social challenges arise from both a crisis of masculinity and harmful masculinity. Social workers support those impacted by harmful orientation norms by allowing interactions and increasing stress-reduction strategies. They contribute to a more all-encompassing manliness by helping individuals create orientation employment and fostering mental health. Social workers play a remarkable role in dispelling stereotypes, creating a thorough, unbiased environment, developing our ability to comprehend individuals more deeply, and valuing various definitions of manliness. References

Carreiro, J. (2021). Gender role beliefs, household chores, and modern marriages (Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University). Chant, S. (2000). Men in crisis? Reflections on masculinities, work and family in north-west Costa Rica. The European Journal of Development Research , 12 , 199-218. Cunradi, C. B., Todd, M., Duke, M., & Ames, G. (2009). Problem drinking, unemployment, and intimate partner violence among a sample of construction industry workers and their partners. Journal of family violence , 24 , 63-74. Harrington, C. (2021). What is “toxic masculinity” and why does it matter?. Men and masculinities , 24 (2), 345-352. Marsiglia, F. F., Kulis, S. S., & Lechuga-Peña, S. (2021). Diversity, oppression, and change: Culturally grounded social work . Oxford University Press, USA. Mitchell, C. A. (2014). The experiences, challenges and coping resources of working wives and stay-at-home husbands: A social work perspective (Doctoral dissertation, University of South Africa). Pearson, E. (2019). Extremism and toxic masculinity: the man question re-posed. International Affairs , 95 (6), 1251-1270. Yinglin .D. (2018, October 29). 【逆流大叔】男士失業性情大變心理學家：男士求助十年間增 5 成 . 香港 01. https://www.hk01.com/%E7%A4%BE%E6%9C %83%E6%96%B0%E8%81%9E/237150/%E9%80%86%E6%B5%81%E5%A4%A7%E 5%8F%94-%E7%94%B7%E5%A3%AB%E5%A4%B1%E6%A5%AD %E6%80%A7%E6%83%85%E5%A4%A7%E8%AE%8A-%E5%BF %83%E7%90%86%E5%AD%B8%E5%AE%B6-%E7%94%B7%E5%A3%AB %E6%B1%82%E5%8A%A9%E5%8D %81%E5%B9%B4%E9%96%93%E5%A2%9E5%E6%88%90

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