Considerable attention has recently been devoted to masculinity, the way in which men proclaim themselves to be physically, psychologically, and socially masculine and whether that masculinity is beneficial or noxious living in today’s world. My question is whether straight millennial young men endorse traditional masculinity—sometimes referred to as toxic masculinity—or something else?

To answer this question, I interviewed 130 straight young men ages 18 to 23 (mean age = 20.0) about, among other things, their degree of masculinity. Several points were nearly universal.

Caleb

Caleb considers himself masculine in a number of ways, but he sees fault lines that he wants to work on.

I feel I’ve experienced my share of emotional difficulties, and therefore consider myself strong emotionally and mentally. I’m an explorer and have had more than my share of wild environments, which I like to believe has given me a worldly masculine perspective and made me a capable person when it comes to wild environments. As of late, I am striving to feel more self-validated. I do wish to be more successful socially and to be able to possess a more masculine presence in social circles.

Cameron

Cameron describes himself as slightly masculine........

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