Toxic Masculinity and Domestic Violence

A question for the ages: what is a real man? Is it the tough guy whose muscles do the talking? The protective figure who never lets on that he’s not sure what to do when a problem arises? The sexy come-on artist who sweeps women off their feet? Whoever or whatever a man is, society seems to like the idea of someone who is powerful, whether that means physical prowess, financial supremacy, intellectual influence, or some other type of measurable clout. And because power and control are key to domestic violence, men who are focused on power and what’s becoming known as “toxic masculinity” may find that violence fits into their definition of being a real man. And that can be dangerous to themselves and others.

Violence

Men today face many challenges as they navigate the world and the expectations placed on them. Unfortunately, some dangerous concepts of masculinity are often drilled into little boys from their very first moments of learning how to be part of society.  The connections between these concepts and violence need to be addressed in order to turn things around. That means understanding a number of facts about toxic masculinity:

• Violence occurs both to and at the hands of men. Statistics reveal that eight in ten homicide victims are male, a number that connects the cultural demands on men to be tough and dominant to high levels of violence.
• Society links manliness to various symbols of toughness, including guns. Video games, movies, advertising, and media of all kinds reinforce the idea that tough guys are masculine, and masculine guys have guns. Is it any wonder that 90 percent of the guns owned by civilians are owned by men?
• Destructive gender expectations harm men and boys, but also damage women and girls, as well as marginalized populations such as LGBT+.
• Toxic masculinity can develop into misogyny, or the devaluing and objectification of women.
• Concepts about toughness can lead boys and men to engage in bullying behaviors, sexual harassment, and ideas that the best way to solve problems is through violence.
• Physical dominance is a trait that is valued in sports, the military, movies, and more. Toughness can be manipulated as a concept that drives boys and men to exert violence as a method of building their social standing.
• Cultural norms that continue to forgive roughness and cruelty as “boys will be boys” allow destructive behaviors to persist and grow.

Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence

At the Law Office of Julia Kefalinos our experienced and supportive Miami domestic violence attorneys understand the problems associated with domestic violence, and believe everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes and elsewhere. If domestic violence is putting your safety at risk, we can help. Schedule a confidential consultation in our Miami office today.

Source:

vawnet.org/sc/being-man-preventing-domestic-and-sexual-violence