The statement “toxic masculinity is destroying the environment” may evoke a wide range of different reactions, and likely questions such as, “What? How?” Initially, it may seem ridiculous to link gender issues and environmental issues, but I’m here to tell you that not only are they related, but the two issues are intertwined in a very extended and layered manner. 

 

When speaking regarding this issue, the words “ecofeminism” and “eco gender gap” will inevitably arise. Ecofeminism–a term coined by the French writer Françoise d'Eaubonne in her book Le Féminisme ou la Mort–is a branch of feminism and political ecology that incorporates gender as a lens to analyze the relationships between humans and the natural world. The eco gender gap falls under the umbrella of ecofeminism theory, which can be defined as the disparity between the ethical choices made by men and women. 

 

The eco gender gap emphasized by the reality of environmental issues and responses to those issues can have different impacts on men and women, often, due to existing gender norms and stereotypes. A very real example of enforcing harmful gender norms is toxic masculinity. It’s associated with behavior such as dominance, aggression, and control. These “manly” tendencies are linked with an exploitative/capitalistic mindset toward the environment, where the main goal is personal achievement, often disregarding sustainability.  

 

In a study published last year in the journal Sex Roles, Janet K. Swim and her fellow researchers at Penn State found that men could be disinclined to carry a reusable shopping bag – or recycle, or any environmentally friendly activity that had been gendered as feminine – for fear of being perceived as gay or effeminate. This shows how toxic masculinity is a contributing factor to men’s resistance to adopting more sustainable lifestyles and practices. The idea of showing concern for environmental issues is seen as a sign of femininity (which some men may falsely equate to weakness) and could deter individuals from embracing environmentally friendly behaviors and considerations.

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Though climate change issues do affect everyone, it doesn’t affect everyone equally. Women, marginalized communities, and people from lower social classes are often more prone to suffer the most from the current climate crisis. For example, there is unequal access to basic resources such as land, water, energy, and clean air, making these already vulnerable communities even more dangered. 

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After understanding the situation, the ultimate question arises; what is the solution? Taking part in efforts to shift gender roles and promote positive masculinity is a very concrete action that can be taken on the scale of individual, family, regional, and even global scope. Challenging traditional gender roles, embracing a more inclusive approach, and valuing traits such as empathy & responsibility would have a very positive effect on the efforts to achieve climate justice. Toxic masculinity and ecofeminism are very complex and layered issues, and it is indeed only one aspect of the multifaceted climate crisis. However, keeping these things in mind, we are able to have a more rounded understanding of the factors contributing to climate injustice, allowing us to develop workable solutions as well. In the end, the most important thing is to continue to progress as an environmentally conscious society.