Researchers said the distinction between ordinary masculinity and toxic masculinity is subtle and depends entirely on whether the behavior causes harm [1].
Defining these boundaries is critical for mental-health initiatives and gender-equality programs. By quantifying harmful behaviors, social scientists aim to improve public discourse and provide better targeted support for men and those affected by their actions [1, 2].
Steven Sanders, an assistant professor of psychology at Oregon State University, said that for masculine behavior to be deemed 'toxic,' it must be damaging to the person or people around them [1]. To help standardize this measurement, a toxic-masculinity scale was created in 2024 [1].
Recent data suggests that these harmful traits are often identifiable early in social interactions. One study found that 79 percent of women said they could spot toxic masculinity as early as the third date [3].
However, researchers said that extreme toxicity is not a universal trait among men. In a study conducted in New Zealand, researchers said only a small percentage of men surveyed fell into the worst category of hostile toxicity [2].
This research occurs amid a broader debate over gender expectations. Some perspectives suggest that masculinity itself can be toxic, while others argue that rigid societal expectations, rather than masculinity, are the primary problem [4, 5].
“"For masculine behavior to be deemed 'toxic,' it must be damaging to the person or people around them."”
The shift toward a behavioral definition of toxicity suggests a move away from criticizing masculinity as a whole. By focusing on measurable harm rather than personality traits, researchers are attempting to decouple traditional male identity from abusive patterns, which may reduce defensiveness in men seeking mental health support.
