It’s a (Wo)Man’s World: an Analysis of Hegemonic Masculinity and its Myriad of Destructive Impacts on Contemporary Society

Abstract

Masculinity as a gendered archetype of societal function reaches a point of stagnation and toxicity only when it derives essentially from the perpetual rejection of any perceived opposition to itself, becoming so pervasive that it detrimentally impacts the community as a whole, and men which have been regarded as its core for so long. Indeed, it may be regarded that, the root of all systemic hatred and discrimination, such as sexism, racism, homophobia, amongst others, stems from the plight of the cisgender heteronormative male afraid of the other, and any attempts that may be made on their position of power. In light of a recent focus on toxic masculinity, this article will explore the foundations of the gendered experience enshrined in all manners of life: family, work, and social, within our inherently patriarchal state. By extension, the widespread detriment faced by various counterparts deemed inferior, such as females, people of colour, and homosexuals, in addition to the self-destruction of the heteronormative white male himself, will be analysed. Without the deconstruction of such an institutionalised model designed to cause and maintain detriment, it is impossible to begin to destroy and then rebuild.