![](\"https:\/\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/551355\/original\/file-20231002-17-jilxp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=35%2C8%2C5812%2C3874&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip\")
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There seem to be as many interpretations of what \u201ctoxic masculinity<\/a>\u201d means as there are uses of the term.<\/p>\n Some believe it\u2019s a way to criticise what they see as specific negative behaviour and attitudes often associated with men. Others, such as broadcaster Piers Morgan, claim that media interest in toxic masculinity is part of a \u201cwoke culture<\/a>\u201d that aims to emasculate men. Others believe toxic masculinity is a fundamental part of\u00a0manhood<\/a>.<\/p>\n My\u00a0research<\/a>\u00a0into working-class young men in south Wales shows how masculinity is changing. Some men remain hostile to the notion of toxic masculinity and see the term as a vehicle for shaming men. And some are caught in a conflict between changing ideas of masculinity and traditional, unhealthy expressions of manhood. This is further complicated by the term itself.<\/p>\n In its simplest sense, toxic masculinity refers to an overemphasis or exaggerated expression of characteristics\u00a0commonly associated<\/a>\u00a0with masculinity. These include traits such as competition, self-reliance and being stoic, which produce behaviours such as risk-taking, fear of showing weakness, and an inability to discuss emotions. These have negative implications for both men and women.<\/p>\n For example, a rejection of weakness and vulnerability may prevent some men from\u00a0discussing issues<\/a>\u00a0such as mental health. Similarly, an inability to express emotion may expose itself through frustration, anger and acts of physical violence.<\/p>\n But masculine traits such as being stoic can equally be valuable in some circumstances, such as emergencies and making lifesaving decisions. In essence, masculinity is complex, diverse and can be expressed in multiple ways.<\/p>\n However, masculinity that involves courage, toughness and physical strength has\u00a0historically<\/a>\u00a0been held in high regard by society.<\/p>\n Masculinity is socially, historically, culturally and individually determined, and subject to change. It can be influenced by a person\u2019s status, power, place, social class and ethnicity. So, a person\u2019s differing circumstances establish or enable different expressions of masculinity.<\/p>\n For example, traditionally high rates of manual employment in heavy industries and family relationships helped establish the gender roles of the male breadwinner and female homemaker. This reinforced masculine traits such as toughness and stoicism in men.<\/p>\n In recent decades though, the way people in western countries work has changed a lot. Manual jobs have\u00a0decreased<\/a>\u00a0while service sector work has increased. These alterations have contributed to the increase in\u00a0the number of women<\/a>\u00a0working, and their wages have became an\u00a0important part<\/a>\u00a0of household incomes.<\/p>\n Movements like\u00a0#MeToo<\/a>\u00a0and brands like Gillette and its We Believe: The Best Men Can Be advert have led to further\u00a0examination<\/a>\u00a0of masculinity. They have challenged negative expressions of masculinity, encouraging men to change their behaviour and instead adopt a\u00a0more positive<\/a>\u00a0version of masculinity.<\/p>\nMore than one type of masculinity<\/strong><\/h2>\n