13 January 2025

On 12 December 2024, the interdisciplinary symposium on the critical examination of toxic masculinity took place at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences. Under the direction of Prof. Dr Petra J. Brzank, Prof. Dr Sabrina Schramme and Prof. Dr Stefan Kunde-Siegel, experts from various disciplines came together to shed light on and critically discuss the facets of hegemonic and toxic masculinity in ten exciting presentations.

The symposium dealt with central issues such as the role of toxic masculinity in patriarchy, the possibilities for deconstructing gender images and the influence on social power structures. It examined whether the term "toxic masculinity" is useful as an analytical tool in the discourse and what approaches there are for prevention and intervention.

The lectures covered a wide range of topics - from political leadership and authoritarianism to health, conspiracy ideologies and the role of cults of masculinity in different cultures. Historical references, theoretical categorisations and empirical findings provided participants with comprehensive insights into the topic. In addition, concrete approaches for action against toxic images of masculinity were presented and research deficits identified.

The event took place both online and in the university's council chamber with around 100 participants and provided space for lively discussions and dialogue.

A key component of the symposium was the realisation that addressing toxic masculinity is an ongoing process. The discussion will continue in the coming year - with the publication of the anthology "Handbuch toxische Männlichkeit", which will be published by Beltz Juventa Verlag in autumn 2025.

The symposium was funded by the ProfX project and the Institute of Social Medicine, Rehabilitation Sciences and Health Services Research and organised by the Competence Centre "Intersectionality and Health" (KIG) at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences. The KIG is investigating the interactions of social determinants such as gender, social background, age and migration experiences on health. The aim is to identify and reduce social and health inequalities. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the centre combines science and practice in order to question social structures and initiate sustainable change.