Cultivating Healthy Masculinity | Advocacy & Welfare

By Anastasia Craig

We’ve all heard of toxic masculinity and how damaging it can be. This repetitive discourse on the subject in and of itself is damaging for men and boys. The term toxic masculinity is often misconstrued to seem like an attack on men, making it seem that being a man and having masculine traits is inherently wrong and damaging. Recent language and discussions have instead shifted to promoting positive masculinity.

So, what is positive masculinity and how can we help foster it?   

Masculinity refers to the stereotypical roles, characteristics, and behaviours society has assigned to men. These stereotypes inform the expectations placed on men regarding how they should live. Such beliefs are perpetuated regularly by popular media, influencers online, and some friends and family members. It’s important to note that whilst these traits are typically associated and expected of men and boys, they are not unique to these groups. All groups of people such as women or non-binary individuals can exhibit these traits.  

Here are a few examples of stereotypically masculine traits: 

• Strength (Physical and Mental) 

• Independent  

• Courageous 

• Assertive 

• Stoic 

• Ambition 

Cultivating healthy masculinity involves challenging those negative stereotypes and expectations historically placed on men. It’s time we freed men from outdated masculine stereotypes.

Get to know yourself outside of what has previously been expected of you. Questioning your own internal beliefs and values can help you start your journey to find your sense of self outside of the bounds of traditional masculinity.  

As an individual you can: 

• Focus on forming healthy interpersonal relationships- characterised by open communication, mutual respect and non-violence.  

• Be authentically you- challenge yourself to be open and vulnerable with your feelings.  

• Find intrinsic motivation- engage in behaviours and activities outside of societal pressures and expectations.  

As a community we can: 

• Not perpetuate harmful stereotypes and behaviours.  

• Facilitate open discussions around emotions and mental health. 

• Be an active bystander and question harmful behaviour and attitudes when you encounter them. 

By actioning these steps, we can move away from the harms of toxic masculinity and the discourse surrounding it. This is not just a men’s problem. It requires the support of the wider community.  

If you’d like to learn more about developing healthier behaviour patterns or are looking for extra resources around this topic, contact an advocate today.  

Call us on (02) 6773 2349, email us at advocacy@une.edu.au or visit our website to book an appointment today.