This accessible book explores toxic masculinity, looking at how to define it, and how we can and should challenge its spread. This book draws on Derrida’s deconstruction, using the philosophical lens to deconstruct what toxic masculinity means and to better understand its significance for our society. It focuses on how harmful aspects of masculinity spread, infiltrate, and intoxicate our societies and how existing structures allow aspects of harmful masculinity to become toxic. This book also features discussions and analysis of participants’ lived experiences of masculinities, alongside the author’s reflections. It explores the relevance of toxic masculinity in work environments, politics, relationships, and gender roles and seeks to challenge and mitigate its damages for everyone. Encouraging critical thinking and understanding of healthier ways of being for all, this timely book will be of interest to therapists, counselors, teachers, and practitioners of family studies. It will also be useful reading for students in the fields of psychology, gender studies, sociology, and related fields.

Table of Contents:
Table of Contents Preface Chapter 1: Why Deconstruction? Why Toxic Masculinity Origins Definitions in Secular Literature Academic Literature Hegemonic Masculinity Critiques of Hegemonic Masculinity Toxic Masculinity A Closer Look Masculinity Systems at Play Chapter 2: Constructions of Toxic Masculinity The Power of Gender Double Bind Patriarchy Negative Feedback Loop Freudian Slip The Male Physique The Male Figure in Religion Family Critical Race Theory Epistemic Bubble Online Epistemic Bubble Toxic Tribalism Socially Constructed Constructed Hegemony Masculine Implicit Bias Belief and Trust Privilege Chapter 3: Deconstructing Toxic Masculinity Masculine and Gender Structuralism/Poststructuralism and Gender Binary Oppositions Positions of Power Gender Masculine Toxic Toxic Masculine Healthy Masculinity Positive Masculinity Toxic/Infect Overturning Philosophical Overturning Recognize Acknowledge Repentance Displacement How to Displace Chapter 4: How Masculinity Becomes Toxic Qualitative Deconstruction Definitions of Masculinity Physical Characteristics Behaviors Biology Socially Constructed Masculine The Good Binary Oppositions Qualities and Traits Confidence Acceptance Maturity/Growth Positive Masculinity Balanced and Wholesome Self-Awareness Gender Constructs Different Masculine Constructs Inclusiveness of Femininity How Can Masculinity be Toxic? Society Expectations Patriarchy Performance Interpretation Pressure Emotions Misuse/Application Dominance Bullying Aggression Competition Physical Violence Chapter 5: New Concept Postmodernism and Postmodern Masculinities New Concept Concepts Masculine New Term Toxic Masculine New Concept Masculine with Choice Toxicity of Masculinity Cyborg Masculinity Both and None Post-gender and Queer Theory Chapter 6: Masculinity with Choice Postmodern Masculine DEI Model of Masculinity Safety Fear Shame Gender Role Strain Inclusive masculine Tension of Paradox Not Knowing Empathy The Cyborg Chapter 7: An Exercise in Deconstruction Holding Paradoxes Relationships Deconstructed Binary Oppositions Overturning Acknowledge Empathy Displace Society’s Binary Chapter 8: Now What? Deconstruction in Action Defining Toxic Masculine Origins Overturning the Relationships Acknowledge Empathy Repentance A Deconstructed Self A Relationship Displaced A Remixed Relationship Concluding thoughts Appendix 1: Conversation with Chat GPT Appendix 2: How would Chat GPT Keep Toxic Masculinity Alive Appendix 3: What is Masculinity Appendix 4: Misunderstood Masculinity Appendix 5: How Can Masculinity be Toxic? Appendix 6: Generational Masculine Appendix 7: Additional information Appendix 8: Dealt with Toxic Masculinity