Hypermasculinity and its impact on children & girls

Hypermasculinity is the extreme exaggeration of stereotypical male behaviours. It includes traits like dominance, aggression, and emotional suppression. Traditional culture and media often normalise these behaviours. However, these behaviours can lead to harmful social and economic effects. They also increase gender inequality.   
 

Defining hypermasculinity

Hypermasculinity is a sociological term for exaggerated, extreme forms of traditional masculinity. Scholars point out three main traits linked to hypermasculinity: 

1. Viewing violence as “manly” 
2. Perceiving danger as exciting 
3. Feeling or showing no emotion towards women. Perceiving displays of emotion as “feminine”.  

Traits and examples of hypermasculinity 

Hypermasculinity is an exaggeration of traits that can become rigid, aggressive, or harmful. The core traits are: 

• Exaggerated physical toughness - the idea that men must be physically strong, tough, and unbreakable. They need to be physically intimidating and steer clear of anything seen as ‘weak,’ like showing emotions or expressing pain. 
• Aggression as a primary response - seeing aggression and dominance as normal or as necessary to being a man. Using intimidation or force as the first option to solve conflicts.  
• Emotional restriction. Avoiding showing empathy, vulnerability, or emotional expressiveness. The belief that emotions — apart from anger — are “feminine”.  
• Sexual dominance and objectification of women. Seeing sex as a conquest and viewing women as objects or prizes to be won, rather than equals.   
• Homophobia and policing of gender norms. Strong negative reactions to anything perceived as “feminine” in men. The fear of not being seen as “masculine enough”.   
• Risk-taking and recklessness. Taking part in dangerous behaviour, such as driving too fast, drinking too much or fighting. With the aim of proving their toughness. The belief that “real men have no fear”. 

Aggression, dominance, and risk-taking

Aggression is often a primary response for the hypermasculine man. Aggression and dominance are seen as natural traits for men. Using intimidation is often accepted as a way to achieve goals. Hypermasculine men may take unwise risks and undertake dangerous behaviour as a way to prove their masculinity and toughness.
 

Emotional suppression

Hypermasculine men avoid all emotions, apart from anger. Any expression of sadness, loneliness or pain is viewed as weak and “feminine”.

Hypermasculinity in the media, workplaces, and communities

Some examples of hypermasculinity in the media, in the workplace and in communities can include:  

• Action movie heroes who solve problems with violence, show no fear, and avoid emotional ties. 
• Athletes pressured to play through injuries to “prove toughness” and are celebrated for it. 
• Locker rooms environments that encourage misogyny, homophobia or bragging about sexual conquests. 
• Intimidation used at work instead of teamwork, developing closed and inaccessible workplaces that punish anyone not part of the dominant group.
   

How hypermasculinity and toxic masculinity overlap

Hypermasculinity and toxic masculinity overlap. Both feature rigid ideas about being a “real man.” They focus on dominance and suppressing emotions. They show aggression and reject anything viewed as “feminine.”  

Hypermasculinity focuses on exaggerated traditional masculine traits. Like toughness, sexual dominance, and risk-taking. Toxic masculinity refers to cultural norms that support and form part of these harmful expectations that hypermasculinity emphasises. It also punishes anyone who doesn't conform.

In practice, hypermasculine behaviours are extreme forms of toxic masculinity. Both can cause emotional harm and put a strain on relationships. They can create inequality and lead to violence. 

How toxic masculinity manifests in the manosphere

In the manosphere, toxic masculinity shows up in online groups. These groups push the idea that men must be dominant, emotionless, and ‘better’ than women. They often promote anger, mock vulnerability, and see relationships as power games rather than partnerships. Women are often blamed for men's issues, like not getting a job or promotion or as the reason men are lonely or struggle with poor mental wellbeing. Traits such as empathy and cooperation are seen as weak. 

The manosphere is a coordinated online network that spreads harmful stereotypes about being a man and amplifies them to take advantage of vulnerable men. It turns stereotypes into strict rules about how men should act, and how they should see women and the world. 

Hypermasculinity in social media and Gen Z culture

Hypermasculinity in social media and Gen Z culture shows up in “alpha/sigma” influencer trends. It also includes extreme fitness looks, and meme-driven humour. This humour often glorifies dominance. It praises emotional detachment, and competition. 

Alpha influencer culture markets courses, merchandise, or communities centred on 'becoming a real man' and adhering to hypermasculine ideals. Sigma influencer culture is an online evolution of hypermasculinity that rejects traditional “alpha” dominance for a quieter, lone-wolf approach. This framing suggests that masculinity means not needing others, which can limit emotional connections and is just as harmful.  

Social media platforms amplify creators who push strict gender roles, wealth as worth, and tough self-improvement. GymTok and grindset content encourage a mindset of extreme, relentless work for wealth and success. This can harm personal well-being, relationships, and health. It also sets unrealistic standards for body and performance.  

At the same time, Gen Z also pushes back through soft masculinity, gender-fluid expression, and mental health advocacy. This creates a cultural tension. Overall, hypermasculinity online shapes identities and drives discussions on masculine ideals. It also fuels insecurity in young men and boys. Hypermasculinity shapes how young people view power, emotion, and relationships. 
 

The wider social impacts of hypermasculinity on men, women, and children

Hypermasculinity affects many areas of life. It shapes behaviour and influences relationships. It impacts mental health for all genders and age groups.   

For men, hiding and not processing their emotions can lead to anxiety and depression. Adhering to hypermasculine ideals may also make them reluctant to seek help. Feeling the need to be dominant and emotionally distant can hurt communication and closeness. Risky behaviours linked to hypermasculinity often aim to “prove toughness” can result in engaging in violence, substance abuse, and unsafe driving and activities. Men who don’t meet the “strong, stoic, dominant” standard may feel inadequate or socially rejected.   

For women, hypermasculinity leads to being faced with controlling or dismissive views from men. It objectifies them, portraying them as “less equal.” Women in relationships with hypermasculine men face a higher risk of harassment and violence. They might feel pushed to fit into hyperfeminine roles, which restricts their freedom.

Hypermasculinity affects children by teaching them strict gender roles from a young age. Boys may learn to hide their emotions, while girls may lean to accept male dominance and inequality. 

How hypermasculinity affects boys and young men

Hypermasculinity can harm boys and young men in many ways. It pushes them to hide their feelings and act tough. They may try to solve conflicts with aggression or violence. This can cause stress and anxiety and make it hard to form close relationships. It also encourages risk-taking, bullying, and unhealthy competition. Hypermasculinity promotes strict ideas about gender. Young men may dismiss women, feel shame about vulnerability, or fear anything seen as "weak." Over time, these pressures can limit personal growth, emotional intelligence, and overall mental health
 

How hypermasculinity affects girls and young women

Hypermasculinity can harm girls and young women. It creates settings where aggression, dominance, and sexual conquest seem normal. This can lead to harassment, bullying, and pressure to follow strict gender roles.  

For example, it may push people to be submissive or prioritise looks over skills. Young women may find fewer opportunities and less respect in social, academic, corporate, or athletic fields dominated by hypermasculine attitudes. Experiencing or witnessing hypermasculine behaviour can damage their self-esteem. As well as their sense of safety, and ability to form equal, healthy relationships. 
 

How hypermasculinity impacts education

Hypermasculinity impacts education in several ways. For boys, it creates pressure to act tough, hide feelings, and avoid asking for help. This can make it harder for them to engage in class or seek support when needed. Some boys may also avoid schoolwork or subjects they view as “uncool” or “too sensitive.” This leads to lower motivation and participation. 

Hypermasculine attitudes can show up as aggression, teasing, or dominance in classrooms. This behaviour disrupts learning and makes school feel unsafe for others. Girls may face sexism, feel ignored, or be pressured to accept certain behaviours as normal. Teachers may unknowingly support these patterns by expecting different things from boys and girls. For example, they might urge boys to focus on STEM subjects, like science and maths, but discourage girls from doing the same.   

In the classroom, hypermasculinity can make some students feel uncomfortable and unsupported, no matter their gender. This affects the learning experience for everyone. 
 

How hypermasculinity reinforces gender inequality

Hypermasculinity reinforces gender inequality by promoting rigid ideas of what it means to be “male” or “female”. It values dominance, strength, and emotional control in men. It also looks down on traits associated with women, such as empathy and vulnerability. This creates power imbalances in social, work, and personal situations. 

For example, in the workplace, men often interrupt women more in meetings. They also get promoted faster since assertiveness is rewarded. Women, however, may be called “bossy” or “ruthless” for showing confidence. 

At home, men are expected to make decisions and provide financially. Women are typically expected to take on childcare and household tasks. 

For children, boys may face teasing for being emotional or for playing with dolls. This reinforces traditional stereotypes. Girls, on the other hand, are often discouraged from leadership roles in sports and from pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) subjects or activities. 
 

Challenging hypermasculinity through engagement

Challenging hypermasculinity through engagement means creating safe spaces, interactions, and practices that invite people, especially men and boys, to question and challenge rigid gender norms. This is so that they can develop healthier and more fluid identities.   

Research by Plan International found that the most influential factors in engaging with men and boys are: 

• Offering safe and accessible spaces for sessions to take place 

• Taking a trauma informed and person-centred approach 

• Using positive and empowering language 

One way to engage is to encourage people to share their experiences, rather than lecture. For example, asking “When did you first learn what it means to ‘be a man?”. This invites someone to tell their story. It builds a sense of curiosity instead of conflict.  

Hypermasculinity thrives on suppressing emotions. Engagement can weaken it by showing vulnerability. Practices like journaling, group circles, and check-ins help with this. 

Norms change quickly when friends support and model the change. Urge male peers to call out harmful jokes or behaviours. Also, publicly celebrate acts of empathy and teamwork. 

Global initiatives and education

Many programmes around the world seek to teach men about gender equality and justice. 

Beyond Equality is a UK charity that aims to disrupt harmful norms and create possibilities for positive change. It engages boys and men to rethink masculinities, prevent gender-based violence and create gender equality.  

Equimundo is a U.S. nonprofit. It is a leading global organisation focused on masculinities and gender justice. Their mission is to engage men and boys, as well as women, girls, and gender-diverse people, in building a world without violence and gender inequality. They run several programmes based on research. Their methods have been used and adapted in many countries worldwide. 

MenEngage is a global network with over 1,000 groups across 80+ countries. Its aim is to engage men and boys in achieving gender justice. They challenge traditional ideas of masculinity. They also support feminist and social justice movements. 

Support Plan UK in tackling harmful gender norms

Plan International UK has formed an international collaboration with global anti-violence movement She is Not Your Rehab. Together with partners and allies, we help promote positive masculinity and reduce violence against women and girls.  

The partnership sees us host international visits, events and create resources of relevance to the youth & education sector in Wales. This includes a free toolkit of practical activities for use with young people. It explores topics around masculinity, identity, gender equality and gender-based violence. 

Globally, we help empower girls to speak up and use their voice to influence policy and create change. 

By donating to Fierce Voices, you can help girls learn about their rights. Your donation can support projects that empower girls and tear down barriers so they can reach their potential.   

Page published: 3 August 2026