Why does she stay? A better question would be, why does he hit her?
Toxic masculinity is arguably the driving force behind some occurrences of domestic violence.
If you are unfamiliar with the term,
toxic masculinity is a narrow definition of manhood that underscores the importance of certain traits in men. These normally include dominant behavior, often in relation to sexual, physical and verbal aggression, all-around toughness and cool stoicism in the face of any hardship.
Some of the negative ideas toxic masculinity perpatrates are as follows:
Toxic masculinity is arguably the driving force behind some occurrences of domestic violence.
If you are unfamiliar with the term,
toxic masculinity is a narrow definition of manhood that underscores the importance of certain traits in men. These normally include dominant behavior, often in relation to sexual, physical and verbal aggression, all-around toughness and cool stoicism in the face of any hardship.
Some of the negative ideas toxic masculinity perpatrates are as follows:
- The belief that men are strong and rational and women are weak and emotional. End of discussion.
- The belief that showing any emotion (except from anger) is incompatible with masculinity and strength. End of discussion.
- The belief that being sympathetic/empathetic towards women (and in general) is incompatible with masculinity and strength. End of discussion.
- That men having so-called "feminine" hobbies is emasculating, bad and unnatural. End of discussion!
Of course, these social attitudes are based predominantly in sexi stereotypes. Because stereotypes are pervasive and difficult to get rid of, they can be damaging to the psyche of both men and women, even today. For example, the suppression of emotion due to societal attitudes based around ideas of "manhood" can be very harmful.
Of course, this suppression inevitably causes emotional issues that commonly surface in male domestic abusers. These issues most often include:
This frustration leads to anger. Which is, of course, the safe and socially acceptable emotion for men to stereotypically express.
As men are affected by toxic masculinity, so too are women. More times than not, it is the woman who is the victim of domestic violence. Attacks commonly occur because abusive men (as I stated earlier) grow accustomed to not expressing insecurity appropriately, and instead suppress their emotions, due to the societal pressure to remain "manly."
It is much easier for the frustrated man to blame the women for his inner turmoil.
A man's history can also shed light upon his tendency to lash out. Past experiences with domestic violence, especially within a childhood setting, can be particularly damaging experiences. These are not excuses for outbreaks of domestic violence. Rather, it's imperative to find what leads individuals down such a violent road, in order for such individuals to have access to therapy and counselling.
After all, men who commit domestic violence are not often the conspicuous thug we are made to believe domestic abusers always are.
Men who commit domestic violence are often quite charming, even polite and likeable.
Women are seduced and "hooked in" by this initial behavior and indeed, it can be very difficult to identify abusers in the real world.
Therefore, it is important to tackle the very root causes of domestic violence, which are the ideological beliefs that are often borne from toxic masculinity.
Domestic violence happens to everyone. Men, women, rich, poor, educated, non-educated. Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, but women are particularly at risk. They need for us to challenge the ideas of toxic masculinity, for the good of women and men.
- Insecurities
- Jealousies
This frustration leads to anger. Which is, of course, the safe and socially acceptable emotion for men to stereotypically express.
As men are affected by toxic masculinity, so too are women. More times than not, it is the woman who is the victim of domestic violence. Attacks commonly occur because abusive men (as I stated earlier) grow accustomed to not expressing insecurity appropriately, and instead suppress their emotions, due to the societal pressure to remain "manly."
It is much easier for the frustrated man to blame the women for his inner turmoil.
A man's history can also shed light upon his tendency to lash out. Past experiences with domestic violence, especially within a childhood setting, can be particularly damaging experiences. These are not excuses for outbreaks of domestic violence. Rather, it's imperative to find what leads individuals down such a violent road, in order for such individuals to have access to therapy and counselling.
After all, men who commit domestic violence are not often the conspicuous thug we are made to believe domestic abusers always are.
Men who commit domestic violence are often quite charming, even polite and likeable.
Women are seduced and "hooked in" by this initial behavior and indeed, it can be very difficult to identify abusers in the real world.
Therefore, it is important to tackle the very root causes of domestic violence, which are the ideological beliefs that are often borne from toxic masculinity.
Domestic violence happens to everyone. Men, women, rich, poor, educated, non-educated. Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, but women are particularly at risk. They need for us to challenge the ideas of toxic masculinity, for the good of women and men.
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