TOXIC MASCULINITY IN RIGHT-WING POLITICAL RHETORIC: ITS MANIFESTATION, IMPACT ON VOTER BEHAVIOR, AND GENDER DYNAMICS IN POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

This paper examines how toxic masculinity manifests in right-wing political rhetoric and policy and its impact on voter behavior and gender dynamics in political participation. Toxic masculinity, characterized by the reinforcement of traditional gender roles and aggressive leadership, appeals to voters threatened by social change and discourages female and non-conforming participation, thereby deepening gender divides in politics and shaping views on power and authority. Utilizing recent examples from U.S. elections and political discourse, this study explores the role of toxic masculinity in shaping political landscapes and its implications for democratic engagement.