I have an intervention:

Perhaps only men should be allowed to use the phrase “toxic masculine”, not women.

How and when did the phrase take off?

The phrase “toxic masculinity” took off more broadly in public and academic discourse in the 2010s, although its conceptual roots go back to the late 20th century. Several factors contributed to the rise in popularity and recognition of this term:

1. Academic Research and Theory: The term gained traction in academic circles through gender studies, psychology, and sociology research. Scholars used it to discuss how certain cultural norms surrounding masculinity can be harmful to men, women, and society. This academic discussion laid the groundwork for broader public awareness.
2. Social Movements: The growth of feminist movements and advocacy for gender equality contributed significantly to discussions about masculinity. As conversations about gender roles, gender equality, and the impacts of patriarchy became more mainstream, terms like “toxic masculinity” began to emerge more frequently in public discourse.
3. Media and Social Media: The rapid expansion of digital media and social networking platforms in the 21st century played a crucial role in spreading the concept of toxic masculinity. High-profile incidents involving gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and discrimination, alongside movements like #MeToo and Time’s Up, brought considerable attention to the negative aspects of traditional masculinity. These discussions were amplified through social media, making the term more widely recognized.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: NGOs, public health organizations, and social campaigns aiming to address issues like mental health, domestic violence, and gender-based violence used the concept of toxic masculinity to highlight how harmful gender norms can affect individuals and communities. These efforts helped popularize the term outside of academic and feminist circles, making it a part of everyday language.
5. Cultural Shifts: A broader cultural shift towards questioning and reevaluating traditional gender roles and norms has made discussions about toxic masculinity more relevant and pressing. As society becomes more open to diverse expressions of gender and identity, understanding the ways in which traditional masculinity can be restrictive or harmful has become a key part of broader dialogues about gender equality and personal well-being.

The culmination of these factors, especially in the 2010s, led to “toxic masculinity” becoming a widely recognized and discussed term. It now plays a significant role in conversations about gender, mental health, and societal norms, reflecting a growing awareness and critique of harmful gendered behaviors and expectations.

The term “toxic masculinity” has its roots in discussions about the impact of certain male behaviors on men, women, and society at large. It emerged from the mythopoetic men’s movement of the 1980s and 1990s, which was itself a part of a broader wave of men’s movements. These movements aimed to redefine male identity and masculinity in a way that moved away from harmful stereotypes and norms.

Shepard Bliss, one of the leading figures of the mythopoetic men’s movement, is often credited with popularizing the concept, although the phrase “toxic masculinity” itself might not have been explicitly used by him in the early discussions. The term was initially used to critique the restrictive definitions of masculinity that limit men’s emotional expression and encourage domination and aggression. Over time, academic and social discourse expanded on this concept, using “toxic masculinity” to describe societal expectations of men that can contribute to detrimental social and psychological effects both for men and for those around them.

The concept gained further prominence and specificity within the fields of psychology and gender studies, particularly through the work of researchers and theorists who have explored the negative impacts of certain traditional masculine norms and behaviors. Today, it’s widely discussed in conversations about gender, health, and society, aiming to address and challenge harmful aspects of traditional masculinity for the benefit of all genders.