Only 10% Of Men Fit The “Toxic Masculinity” Label. Here’s What That Means

The term, which some claim was simply meant to help men identify toxic behaviors, has been weaponized, and now masculinity itself is seen as inherently toxic. Many believe that was the intent all along. Yet, experts in the UK are now urging leaders to stop using the term, as they believe it has a negative impact on boys’ and men’s mental health (surprise surprise).

We’ve all heard it: men are aggressive, entitled, and somehow the root of society’s ills. As women, we’re often fed this narrative that paints the entire male population with a broad, unflattering brush.

But what if that’s not the full story? What if most men are actually decent, respectful, and far from the monsters not only some corners of the internet, but all of society, make them out to be? And what if many of the “toxic” traits associated with masculinity aren’t exclusive to men or masculinity at all?

A new study out of New Zealand is flipping the script, showing that the vast majority of men don’t exhibit those so-called toxic traits. It’s time we took a closer look, and maybe even celebrated our guys a little more.

What if many of the “toxic” traits associated with masculinity aren’t exclusive to men or masculinity at all?

Let’s dive into the details. Published in Psychology of Men & Masculinities, the study titled “Are Men Toxic? A Person-Centered Investigation Into the Prevalence of Different Types of Masculinity in a Large Sample of New Zealand Men” analyzed data from over 15,000 heterosexual men aged 18 to 99. They were volunteers who completed in-depth questionnaires as part of the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study. Researchers used advanced statistical methods to group men based on eight key markers of what society commonly calls toxic masculinity. These included things like how central being a man is to their identity, negative attitudes toward sexual orientations, disagreeableness, narcissism, hostile sexism (overt negativity toward women), benevolent sexism (those subtler, stereotypical views that can still be viewed as harmful), opposition to domestic violence prevention, and a preference for social dominance over equality.

The results? Eye-opening, to say the least. Out of all these men, only 10.8% showed clear signs of “toxic masculinity.” That’s right, nearly 90% did not. The study broke it down into five distinct subgroups. The largest group, dubbed the “Atoxics,” made up 35.4% and scored low across all markers. They were followed by two moderate groups totaling over 53%, with low-to-moderate levels that didn’t scream “toxic.” Then there were the smaller clusters: 7.6% in the “Benevolent Toxic” category, high on things like benevolent sexism and sexual prejudice but not overtly aggressive, and a tiny 3.2% in the “Hostile Toxic” group, who topped the charts on hostile sexism, narcissism, and opposition to anti-violence initiatives.

This isn’t just numbers on a page, though. It’s a powerful counter to the cultural echo chamber that insists toxicity is baked into masculinity itself. As the study’s authors point out, while toxic masculinity is a hot topic online, actual psychological research has been scarce. Definitions vary, and prevalence is even murkier, until now. This research fills that gap, proving that destructive attitudes aren’t the norm; they’re the exception. And importantly, it distinguishes between “hostile” toxicity (think outright aggression toward women) and “benevolent” forms (like chivalrous but patronizing views). This nuance matters because it helps us target real problems without alienating the majority of men who are just trying to do right by us.

It’s a powerful counter to the cultural echo chamber that insists toxicity is baked into masculinity itself.

From a woman’s perspective, this is refreshing news. In relationships, we’ve been conditioned to watch for red flags everywhere, sometimes seeing shadows where there are none. But imagine shifting our lens: recognizing that most men aren’t out to dominate or demean. They’re our partners, fathers, brothers, and friends who value equality and respect.

Evie readers know the importance of strong, healthy dynamics between men and women. After all, we’re all about embracing femininity without tearing down masculinity. This study aligns perfectly with that ethos. It reminds us that the “battle of the sexes” narrative is overblown, often amplified by media that thrives on division. Instead of assuming the worst, we can encourage connections built on trust and mutual appreciation.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we ignore the 10.8%. Those attitudes exist and can cause real harm, from workplace inequality to intimate partner violence. The study calls for (debatable) tailored interventions: education on sexism for the benevolent group, and deeper psychological support for the hostile ones. But blanket shaming? That’s not the answer. It only pushes good men away and lets the truly problematic ones off the hook by diluting the focus.

We need to abandon the prevailing notion that men and masculinity are inherently “bad.”

Richard Reeves, President of the American Institute for Boys and Men, captures this dilemma perfectly. He observes that when people are asked to define “positive” masculinity, they typically cite traits like caring, empathy, and nurturing, qualities that are, in essence, hallmarks of femininity. This framing leaves men with a stark binary: either be toxic or be female. Ultimately, it implies that masculinity is inherently bad, while femininity is good.

The study is a promising step forward. To reclaim the narrative on masculinity and cast it in a more positive light, we must demonstrate that “toxicity” is far less prevalent than commonly perceived.

Think about the men in your life; the ones who show up, listen, and lift you up without expecting a medal. They’re the rule, not the exception. This research empowers us as women to advocate for positive change while honoring the inherent goodness in men.

True harmony comes from understanding, not division. So here’s to all of the so-called “atoxics” and the “moderates,” the everyday heroes and vast majority of men who prove that masculinity, at its core, is a beautiful force for good.