Toxic Masculinity in American Politics

As the 2024 American election campaign intensifies, so does the rhetoric surrounding misogyny and violence. At the core of this trend lies a resurgence of toxic masculinity, particularly within the Republican Party. This phenomenon, explored in depth in my book Macho Men: How Toxic Masculinity Harms Us All and What To Do About It has far-reaching implications for American society and politics.

“Hegemonic [domination and control] masculinity was a major factor in Trump’s political success.”—?Theresa Vescio and Nathaniel Schemerhorn,?Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

?On night three of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee,?Donald Trump arrived?to the James Brown classic, “It’s a Man’s World,”?

The Republican National Convention's four-night event highlighted the party's strong emphasis on traditional gender roles and masculine ideals. This focus was evident in both the speeches delivered inside the arena and comments made by supporters outside.

Charlie Kirk, leader of Turning Point USA, expressed a view linking party support to masculinity, stating outside the arena, "If you're a man in this country and you don't vote for Donald Trump, you're not a man."

During his speech, J.D. Vance praised his wife's role as a mother, then proceeded to frame his policy vision primarily in terms of male workers. He declared, "We need a president who answers to the working man, union and non-union alike," without mentioning women in the workforce.

“Suppose you are a man in this country and you don’t vote for Donald Trump. In that case, you’re not a man,” said Turning Point USA leader Charlie Kirk outside of the arena, echoed the masculinist energy underlying the content of the speeches inside.

When J.D. Vance took the stage after his wife’s speech, he praised her for being such a good mother and erased any view of women as anything other than?wives and mothers. The workforce, in his ideal world, is male. “We need a president who answers to the working man, union and non-union alike,” he declared.

?What is Toxic Masculinity?

?Toxic masculinity refers to a collection of offensive, harmful beliefs, tendencies, and behaviors rooted in traditional male roles but taken to an extreme. This dangerous idea of “manliness” perpetuates domination,?homophobia, misogyny and aggression and can be harmful to the mental health of all genders. It also can have serious social consequences, which is how it became known as toxic masculinity.

?Some researchers have defined “toxic masculinity” as a group of beliefs and behaviors that include the following:

• Suppressing emotions or masking distress.
• Maintaining an appearance of hardness.
• Believing violence makes you more powerful.

?Toxic masculinity develops by teaching boys that they can’t express emotion openly, that they must be “tough all the time,” and that anything other than that makes them “feminine” or weak.

According to the American Psychological Association (A.P.A.), aggression and violence are taught by parents, significant others, and our society, leaving boys and men at “disproportionate risk for school discipline, academic challenges and health disparities,” including cardiovascular problems and substance abuse.

?Some Beliefs Reflected in Toxic Masculinity:

• Men should not be interested in feminine things because this makes them appear weak.
• Men shouldn’t display “feminine” traits such as emotional vulnerability, which show weakness.
• Showing anger and being violent are the best ways of solving conflicts.
• Parenting is not men’s main responsibility.
• Men should never admit they were victims of abuse; they should feel shame if they were.
• "Real" men always want sex and are ready for it at any time.
• Men should always be the dominant ones in the relationship.

?Psychologist Brené Brown says this: “When looking at the attributes associated with masculinity in the US, the same researchers identified the following: winning, emotional control, risk-taking, violence, dominance, playboy, self-reliance, primacy at work, power over women, disdain for homosexuality, and pursuit of status.”

The increasing use of the term "toxic masculinity" has led to differing viewpoints across the political spectrum.

Some conservative voices argue that the term unfairly criticizes masculinity as a whole, particularly at a time when men face specific challenges such as higher rates of drug overdose and suicide. On the other hand, some progressive voices contend that addressing problematic aspects of traditional masculinity is necessary for advancing gender equality.

The concept of toxic masculinity is often misunderstood. It's frequently interpreted as suggesting that masculine aggression and entitlement are inherent traits in men, leading to harmful behavior. However, this interpretation oversimplifies the issue. The term is more accurately used to describe certain cultural norms and societal expectations placed on men that can be harmful both to themselves and others.

Many people misunderstand how toxic masculinity functions. When people use the term, they tend to diagnose the problem of masculine aggression and entitlement as an illness — something that has infected today’s men and leads them to reproachable acts. But toxic masculinity itself is not a cause of destructive behaviors. Today, there are more subtle nuances, including institutional and system structures, which allow toxic masculinity to flourish.

?Origins

The term "toxic masculinity" was coined in the men's movement of the 1980s and '90s, partly as a reaction to feminism. Initially, some proponents argued that men's aggression and frustration were the result of a society that feminized boys by denying them necessary rites and rituals to realize their true selves as men.

However, since the late 1980s, new perspectives on masculinity have emerged. Sociologist Raewyn Connell argued that masculinity was the product of relationships and behaviors, rather than a fixed set of identities and attributes. Connell and like-minded researchers theorized that common masculine ideals such as social respect, physical strength, and sexual potency become problematic when they set unattainable standards.

This shift in understanding suggests that male violence isn't innate or a natural part of masculinity itself. Rather, it stems from men's expectations based on social norms, which create inner conflicts over social expectations and male entitlement.

Whatever Happened to the Strong, Silent Type?

?According to a new study examining the long-term repercussions of practicing toxic masculinity, Pop culture’s idea of a “real man” has changed in recent years. Decades ago, however, boys grew up idolizing movie stars like Gary Cooper and John Wayne, men who projected characters showing little to no emotion, such as sadness, compassion or dependence on others.

?While more and more men are abandoning the traditional idea of what it is to be a man, many still cling to the idea that men should never talk about their feelings or show weakness, especially in front of a woman. There is a price to pay for this. Researchers from Michigan State University have found that practicing the ideal of traditional masculinity can lead to social isolation, poor health, and overall unhappiness later in life.

?A report by Promundo and AXE titled?The Cost of the Man Box: A Study on the Economic Impacts of Harmful Masculine Stereotypes in the US, UK, and Mexico,?concludes the following:

• Internalizing harmful masculinity puts young men in the “Man Box,” and it has serious consequences for all of us.
• Young men in the Man Box are up to six times more likely to have been sexually harassed, up to seven times more likely to have used physical violence, and twice as likely to have had suicidal thoughts in the previous two weeks.
• If we got rid of the Man Box, we could reduce sexual violence by at least 69% and eliminate at least 41% of traffic accidents, 40% of bullying and violence, 39% of suicides, 7% of binge drinking, and 4% of depressive symptoms among men (18–30) in the US, every year.
• The minimum cost that the US economy could save annually if there were no Man Box is $15.7 billion.

?Macho Men in Politics

?According to Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of?Jesus and John Wayne, a book about white evangelicals and masculinity, aggressive macho politics can contribute to political dysfunction. “Trump’s identity is rooted on militancy, and militancy needs adversaries, therefore his foes are both internal and foreign,” she said.

?Trump chose to engage in conficts with other political, business, and international leaders both during his election campaigns and after he was elected. Of course, the mainstream media is his preferred target. Trump, according to Du Mez, proved that “compromise is a sign of weakness.”

?In addition to picking confrontations with adversaries (real or imagined), Trump often used degrading, if not abusive, rhetoric, such as “Crazy Nancy Pelosi” or “Cryin’ Chuck Schumer.”

Trump is infamous for calling people “little” or “liddle” before their names, as he did with California congressman Adam Schiff, Senator Marco Rubio, former Tennessee Senator Bob Corker, and other figures (for example, former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg) President Joe Biden (“Sleepy Joe”) and now Vice-President Kamal Harris (“Lyin Harris” and “garbage”).

?There is a trend to Trump’s insults though: He frequently disparages women’s appearances or refers to them as hysterical, and he has a history of criticizing black women, including Vice President Kamala Harris.

Running against former Hewlett-Packard chief executive Carly Fiorina in the 2016 Republican primaries,?Donald Trump?mocked her appearance: “Look at that face! Would anyone vote for that?”?

Running against former secretary of state Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential race, Trump dismissed her as “unbalanced” and “unhinged” and questioned her “strength” and “stamina.”?

And running against former South Carolina governor?Nikki Haley?in the 2024 Republican primaries, Trump attacked his own former U.N. ambassador as a “birdbrain.”?

??Reshaping Republican Politics

The aggressive rhetoric of Donald Trump has influenced other politicians, particularly within the Republican Party. This is evident in examples such as former Georgia senator Kelly Loeffler's tweet featuring Trump wrestling the coronavirus, and Texas senator Ted Cruz's tweet stating that "many leftist guys never grow balls."

The intensity of this rhetoric has escalated to alarming levels. A news anchor on?One America News?suggested execution as a potential punishment for the "tens of thousands" of "traitors" who allegedly stole the election from Trump. Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) invoked the Second Amendment, stating that citizens "have an obligation to use" it "to continue an armed rebellion against the government if that becomes necessary."

Trump's approach to masculinity was reportedly evident in his interaction with Vice President Mike Pence. According to the?New York Times, Trump told Pence, "You can either go down in history as a patriot, or you can go down in history as a pussy," in an attempt to pressure him into overturning the election results.

Trump's combative stance extended to members of his own party. He declared, "We got to get rid of the weak Congress people, the ones that aren't any good, the Liz Cheney's of the world," targeting the former RepublicanVice-Chair of the January 6 Congressional Investigative Committee.

While the January 6 insurrection failed to keep Trump in power, it demonstrated to his supporters the potential of using violence for political gains. This proximity to violence is reminiscent of tactics employed by autocratic leaders throughout history.

Public perception aligns with this trend, as indicated by a PRRI poll showing that Americans believe Republicans use aggressive rhetoric more frequently than Democrats (42 per cent to 23 per cent, respectively).

Hegemonic Masculinity and Donald Trump

The intersection of masculinity and political support, particularly for former President Trump, has become a subject of intense academic and public interest. Recent research has shed light on the complex relationship between adherence to traditional masculine ideals and political affiliation.

A series of studies published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has revealed a strong correlation between embracing "hegemonic masculinity" and support for Trump. Theresa Vescio, a psychology professor at Pennsylvania State University and the principal author of the study, explains: "This analysis demonstrates that masculinity is more than just an ideal that men aspire to. It's something our culture values."

Vescio further elaborates on the pervasive nature of this cultural concept: "The appeal of masculinity as a cultural concept is that, despite subordinating women, we can persuade them to participate in and support it. Despite its underlying subordination, we can persuade men of color, guys from low socioeconomic level, and men who identify as LGBT to support it."

This research suggests that the acceptance of a strong male hierarchy is a significant predictor of positive attitudes towards Trump, even when controlling for other factors such as sexist, racist, or homophobic sentiments. This finding underscores the deep-rooted influence of gender norms on political preferences.

It Spreads Like a Virus

The phenomenon of emphasizing "tough masculinity" in politics extends beyond Trump's presidency and has manifested in various ways among Republican politicians. For instance, Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) made headlines when he suggested that "Putin should be shot," showcasing a tendency to align with aggressive, masculine posturing in foreign policy.

Similarly, some Republican lawmakers have advocated for a no-fly zone over Ukraine, a move that critics argue could potentially escalate tensions with nuclear-armed Russia. These stances have been interpreted as attempts to project a tougher image than President Biden, particularly in matters of international relations.

This phenomenon is not new. During Trump’s presidency, the maxim was that the objective was cruelty or the blatant assertion of power over the helpless. This approach continues today. Republicans' actions have been characterized by tough masculinity that often manifests as bullying. Examples include separating children from their parents, spying on and violating the privacy of women who do not want to be forced to finish their pregnancies, and threatening to take away transgender children whose parents seek appropriate medical care.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) encapsulated this approach in an 11-point program that notably included the statement "men are men, women are women." Some have seen this explicit appeal to traditional gender norms as a direct play to male insecurity, unprecedented in recent major party platforms.

Trump's supporters found their perfect parody of toxic masculinity in him. Trump gave the MAGA mob the vicariously thrilling experience of being tough guys at a distance by supporting war crimes, encouraging police to hurt suspects, defending white vigilantes, and standing behind individuals accused of abuse. On January 6, 2021, thugs attacked the Capitol and put politicians’ and his own Vice President’s life in danger, to his delight. As he said, he "loved" these kinds of men.

The appeal of Trump’s brand of masculinity extends to his supporters as well. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), a vocal Trump ally, has criticized what he perceives as an attack on "traditional masculine characteristics." He has even marketed merchandise featuring his image from the January 6 events, further solidifying the link between masculinity and political identity. It may sound absurd to claim that Republicans would lead a "revival of strong and healthy manhood in America" while the left has been actively eroding masculinity. However, with today’s GOP, the MAGA crowd believes it with a passion.

Trump developed a reputation for toughness by associating with autocratic bullies like Putin, the Saudi monarchs, Hungary’s Viktor Orban, and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. It is no accident that support for the MAGA cult figure is strongly correlated with a belief in "traditional" gender norms. According to the Public Religion Research Institute’s 2020 values survey, Republicans overwhelmingly agree with the claims that society punishes males for being men (60 percent agree) and that it has grown too soft and feminine (63 percent agree).

Misogyny is the Dark Core

?Insecurities among the male supporters of the Republican Party are to blame for the emergence of toxic masculinity in that party. The less-educated white male working class makes up most of the GOP coalition. A growing number of Latinos and even some Black males with culturally conservative tendencies are joining these working-class white men. Too many conservative males have reacted in a sexist rage rather than changing their behavior and value systems to accommodate the rise of women. Why? The growing knowledge economy has been more kind to educated women than to less educated men.

?The GOP is a remarkably male-dominated organization. There are just 34 Republican women of the 435 in the 118thCongress in the House and 9 of the 100 in the Senate.

?A?2023 Women’s Aid report?found a clear link between exposure to misogynistic views on social media, and having harmful perceptions of relationships.?Schools have reported?male students directing sexist phrases to female teachers and classmates. This mirrors the language and actions of influencers who have become famous by capitalising on and promoting misogyny and sexism.

Their content involves demeaning and objectifying women, often portraying them as inferior or subordinate to men and advocating for gender stereotypes and traditional gender roles. When women are viewed as less than men, some men think it gives them licence to harm them. This harm often takes the form of domestic abuse and sexual violence.?

Coercive and controlling behaviour is actively encouraged by misogynistic influencers, who emphasise aggressive, domineering behaviour as ideal for men while belittling qualities like empathy and compassion.

The Era of Lawless Masculinity Has Begun

?In the last century, authoritarianism has evolved to include both electoral autocracies and traditional dictatorships. However, one constant remains: when gender justice and emancipation raise concerns about male power and status, extreme political solutions often take hold. Toxic masculinity, masquerading as a "return to traditional values," coincides with the rise of authoritarianism and the rejection of the rule of law and political accountability. The removal of controls for activities considered unethical in democratic contexts (lying, stealing, even rape and murder) is equally crucial to its operation and appeal.

It is therefore not surprising to see the GOP, which embraced an authoritarian political culture under the Trump administration, fostering a culture of lawless masculinity. As evidence of their rejection of democratic norms, Republicans supported the January 6 coup attempt and perpetuated the lie that Donald Trump, not Joe Biden, won the 2020 election. They have also normalized and deliberately spread disinformation and lies about election tampering, with violence as a remedy.

Hyper-masculinity has frequently been associated with authoritarian policies, driven by the desire to control and exploit people's bodies and minds. People may mock WWII Italian leader Benito Mussolini and Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s pectoral-baring displays and the rape jokes made by Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro and Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte. Still, their strongman style of leadership defends patriarchal privilege and men's rights to indulge in their "natural" male desires in response to perceived threats to male authority.

Early on, Trump declared his belief in absolute power. In January 2016, he claimed, "I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and kill someone and I wouldn’t lose voters." His abusive behavior toward women came to light in October of the same year with the release of the 2005 Access Hollywood tape ("When you're a star, they let you do it. Anything is possible," Trump remarked). Despite widespread expectations that the leak would spell the end of Trump's campaign, it instead served to highlight his macho image.

The GOP has absorbed Trump’s hyper-masculine style. Abusive, exploitative, and illegal behavior are increasingly encouraged and condoned as the Republican effort to dismantle democracy grows. The dangerous marriage of toxic masculinity and authoritarianism is clearly wreaking havoc in America.

Kirk Swearingen, writing in Salon about toxic masculinity in the Republican Party, comments: “This hyper-focus on anything and everything sexual extends to the right’s self-proclaimed tough guys, the seeming adults who so much enjoy playing dress-up. Republican favorite Tucker Carlson’s bluster about masculinity including his special ‘The End of Men, contained a warming about “the total collapse of testosterone levels in American men.

Carlson’s central premise is that modern society has devitalized American men. Strength, drive, and aggression are no longer in vogue, and Americans, as a result, are becoming weaker. The film implies that this has ramifications for the country itself.

Jennifer Rubin also wrote a blistering editorial in the Washington Post arguing: “In their head-spinning transition from apologists for Russian President Vladimir Putin to proponents of World War III, Republicans reveal their obsession with toxic masculinity. Whether they are separating children from parents, spying on and infringing on women who do not want to be compelled to complete their pregnancy, or threatening to take away transgender children whose parents seek appropriate medical care, manliness manifesting as bullying has been the Republicans’ defining feature of late.”

As an indication of the Republican Party’s focus on masculinity, The Public Religion Research Institute’s 2020?values survey?found, ‘Majorities of Republicans agree with both the statement that society punishes men just for acting like men (60% agree) and that society has become too soft and feminine (63% agree).’”

?Ruth Ben-Ghiat, author of?Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present,?writes about how authoritarianism has?evolved over the past century, from traditional dictatorships to electoral autocracies. She says: “Yet at least one constant remains: Illiberal political solutions tend to take hold when increased gender equity and emancipation spark anxieties about male authority and status. Conquest-without-consequences masculinity, posing as a ‘return to traditional values,’ tracks with authoritarianism’s rise and parallels the discarding of the rule of law and accountability in politics. We commonly associate autocracy with state restrictions on behavior, but the?removal?of checks on actions deemed unethical in democratic contexts (lying, thievery, even rape and murder) is equally important to its operation and appeal.”

?She argues that “it’s unsurprising to see a culture of lawless masculinity developing within the GOP, which adopted an authoritarian political culture during the Trump years. Renouncing democratic norms, the Republicans have normalized disinformation, election subversion, and violence as a means of governance, as expressed in their?support for the January 6 coup attempt?and the fiction that Donald Trump, not Joe Biden, won the 2020 election."

?Summing Up

?Men are struggling with their identities in America, despite the conservative minority wanting to return to “the old days,” “when men were men and women were women.” Indeed, any reinforcement of toxic masculinity will only serve to fracture the social fabric further. It is disturbing that we see a confluence of toxic masculinity and authoritarianism occurring in American politics, particularly in the Republican party.

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