Some facts about Identity:
- It is always evolving – it is work in progress during a lifetime.
- An individual has multiple facets to their identity, some of which they will be aware of, some they will not.
- Identity is influenced by our upbringing, environment and life experiences. It is not a biologically determined essence within us.
- Identity is a drive for being and belonging in society.
- Gender is one of the key aspects of our sense of self but is also open to many interpretations and performances.
- Identity is fragile – it is easily threatened.
What is Gender?
It is how we express our biological sex in the social world.
What is Masculinity?
Masculinities are those behaviours, languages and practices, existing in specific cultural and organisational locations, which are commonly associated with male and thus culturally defined as not feminine.
TOXIC MASCULINITY and TOXIC FEMININITY
Masculinities are those behaviours, languages and practices, existing in specific cultural and organisational locations, which are commonly associated with male and thus culturally defined as not feminine.
WHAT IS TOXIC MASCULINITY?
‘Toxic Masculinity arises when a man assumes he is superior to females/women and can therefore treat them as inferior beings. It is a way of being a man which is aggressive, violent and/or emotionally dysfunctional. This limited masculine identity is harmful both to the man who expresses it and to those who come within his personal orbit, especially female partners and children. Men with toxic masculinity are often misogynistic and homophobic. They are suffering from a mental health condition that is recognized as such by the American Psychological Association (2018). ‘
WHAT IS TOXIC FEMININITY?
‘Toxic femininity is the internalization and expression of negative, painful feelings and emotions produced by shame, guilt, rejection, frustration, neglect, confusion, disenchantment, abuse, violence, and hopelessness. Toxic femininity is a mindset of helplessness, a belief that one is no longer worthy of love.’
Want to know more? Or would like IP to deliver identity awareness training in your school or organization?
Then please contact Dr Stephen Whitehead via this website.
IP specializes in helping schools and organisations become Totally Inclusive and addressing toxic identity behavior through the application of self-love and self-awareness.
English