'What Is Masculinity Anyway?': A Heuristic Approach to the Study of Gender Communication in the Lives of Me

Many investigations into masculinity suggests that it is a toxic, monolithic power structure held by men that dominates the lives of all who do not have access to privileges and protections. Masculinity, especially forms associated with traditional values, has been linked to negative health outcomes, sexual violence, and even suicide. A lack of male allies in the dismantling of toxic masculinity has impeded efforts to create lasting social change. This investigation explores the possibility that masculinity is complex and varies widely in the real-life experience of men through the frame of Bederman's (2010) heuristic approach. A heuristic approach to the exploration of masculinity requires careful consideration of how it is studied to avoid reinforcing power structures that harm all involved by questioning if masculinity is truly being studying and avoiding sensitizing survey questions. Open-ended survey's and content analysis where used to explore masculine attitudes, behaviors, and cultural ideals for emergent themes. Results suggest five major themes connected to masculinity. A discussion explores how these themes evidence the complexity of masculinity, strengths and weaknesses to the heuristic approach to the study of masculinity, communication strategies for engaging men in dismantling toxic masculinity.