The Cultural Impact of Toxic Masculinity

George Sosa

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Liberal Arts

Major: BA.PSY/FORENSICPSY

Faculty Research Mentor: Franklin Turner

Abstract:

The goal of this research project is to better understand the relationship between cultural background and toxic masculinity. The eclectic collection of cultures spread across our planet define their masculinity with a collection of personality traits which may be more prevalent in some cultures than others. Understanding the link between cultural background and toxic masculinity could help us better deconstruct and recondition the psyches of those who perceive masculinity as inherently littered with violence and aggression. This research utilizes a mixed methods approach, including data from both focus groups, and a questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to measure the participants' level of toxic masculinity, asking questions pertaining to emotional transparency, accepting help from others, and other forms of behavior associated with toxic masculinity. This data is intended to highlight a statistical relationship between cultural background and toxic masculinity. The focus groups will offer more legible transparent data that takes a deeper look into the “why” instead of the “who.” Focus group participants will hopefully explain their personal views of their culture's perception of masculinity, giving insight as to why some groups may score higher on the toxic masculinity scale as compared to others. The researcher is interested not only if there is a relationship between the two variables, but what if any is the relationship.