Deconstructing Toxic Masculinity: A Redefining for Society

This accessible book explores toxic masculinity, looking at how to define it, and how we can and should challenge its spread.

This book draws on Derrida’s deconstruction, using the philosophical lens to deconstruct what toxic masculinity means and to better understand its significance for our society. It focuses on how harmful aspects of masculinity spread, infiltrate, and intoxicate our societies and how existing structures allow aspects of harmful masculinity to become toxic. This book also features discussions and analysis of participants’ lived experiences of masculinities, alongside the author’s reflections. It explores the relevance of toxic masculinity in work environments, politics, relationships, and gender roles and seeks to challenge and mitigate its damages for everyone.

Encouraging critical thinking and understanding of healthier ways of being for all, this timely book will be of interest to therapists, counselors, teachers, and practitioners of family studies. It will also be useful reading for students in the fields of psychology, gender studies, sociology, and related fields.

Carlos Perez is an Associate Professor and departmental chair of a Behavioral Sciences department at a liberal arts university. He is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor.