Parr Center Lecture: Tom Keith, on toxic masculinity

Abstract:

This talk will explore what Tom means by the expression ‘bro-culture’ and how patriarchy is the overarching social and political structure that guides bro culture. From there, he will discuss how bro culture harms women in many different ways. From the pay gap to actual violence against women, bro culture reinforces a gendered hierarchy where women are placed below men in positions of importance and authority. But bro culture also does great damage to men. From reinforcing emotional stoicism to pressuring men to conform to certain restrictive conceptions of masculinity, bro culture creates both internal and external pressures on men that ultimately cost men in terms of their own physical and emotional health as well as men’s abilities to craft healthy relationships with women and other men.