Aggressiveness comes out as the most toxic masculine trait, with almost half (48%) believing it is toxic compared to just 15% who consider it ‘masculine’. The other traits most thought of as toxic are also among the least likely to be thought of as masculine – with over a third (36%) thinking being unemotional is toxic, compared to 10% who think it is masculine.
Other traits that more people believe are toxic than masculine are:
- Being dominating or powerful (31% vs 24%),
- Pursuing women (31% vs 10%)
- Being superior to women (30% vs 10%) and
- Not caring about their own appearance (18% vs 12%).
The trait that YouGov’s research found is thought of as the most masculine among UAE residents is taking responsibility (64%). It is followed by confidence (56%), physical strength (46%), bravery (45%), and self-reliance (43%).
There are two traits seen as either ‘toxic’ or ‘masculine’ by a large number of people. Over three in ten (31%) believe that being dominating and powerful is toxic, while around a quarter (24%) see this as a ‘masculine’ trait. Similarly, while one in five (20%) see being financially dominating as ‘toxic’, a similar proportion (21%) think this is a ‘masculine’ trait.
YouGov also asked about traits traditionally considered to be feminine. The research finds that more than half feel that men would benefit from embracing characteristics such as gentleness (56%), tolerance and forgiveness (54%), understanding own feelings (53%), and being caring (53%). Emotional maturity is the feminine trait that women most want men to develop (62%), while gentleness is the attribute most male respondents (61%) think men should embrace.
Kerry McLaren, Head of Omnibus, YouGov said, “The #MeToo movement and Gillette’s latest advert have placed the subject of masculinity in general – and toxic masculinity in particular – on the agenda. Our data suggests that there are relatively few ‘masculine’ traits that people in the UAE see as toxic. Indeed, in most cases people are much more likely to see the characteristics we asked about in a more positive light.”
The trait that YouGov’s research found is thought of as the most masculine among UAE residents is taking responsibility (64%). It is followed by confidence (56%), physical strength (46%), bravery (45%), and self-reliance (43%).
There are two traits seen as either ‘toxic’ or ‘masculine’ by a large number of people. Over three in ten (31%) believe that being dominating and powerful is toxic, while around a quarter (24%) see this as a ‘masculine’ trait. Similarly, while one in five (20%) see being financially dominating as ‘toxic’, a similar proportion (21%) think this is a ‘masculine’ trait.
YouGov also asked about traits traditionally considered to be feminine. The research finds that more than half feel that men would benefit from embracing characteristics such as gentleness (56%), tolerance and forgiveness (54%), understanding own feelings (53%), and being caring (53%). Emotional maturity is the feminine trait that women most want men to develop (62%), while gentleness is the attribute most male respondents (61%) think men should embrace.
Kerry McLaren, Head of Omnibus, YouGov said, “The #MeToo movement and Gillette’s latest advert have placed the subject of masculinity in general – and toxic masculinity in particular – on the agenda. Our data suggests that there are relatively few ‘masculine’ traits that people in the UAE see as toxic. Indeed, in most cases people are much more likely to see the characteristics we asked about in a more positive light.”
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| Source: YouGov. Personality traits considered toxic against those considered masculine in the UAE. |
