toxism

Toxism is an emerging sociological term that describes a pattern of hostile or demeaning behavior committed against an individual or group, often rooted in concepts of dominance or superiority. The word blends “toxic” and “sexism” or “xenophobia” and is used to highlight the insidious nature of everyday prejudice that may not fit neatly into standard categories such as racism or sexism but still functions to maintain power structures. Unlike formal diagnoses in clinical psychology, toxism is typically discussed in academic and activist circles, where the focus lies on social and cultural contexts rather than individual pathology.

The concept gained visibility in the early 2010s when scholars and commentators began noting how certain workplace cultures simultaneously praised professionalism and tolerated microaggressions that delegitimized marginalized voices. In this sense, toxism can involve verbal harassment, exclusionary practices, or the dismissal of dissenting opinions. A common example is an environment where a woman’s qualifications are repeatedly questioned while her male counterpart receives praise, or where a person of color is expected to serve as a cultural broker for colleagues. These behaviors are often normalized through jokes, internal language, or subtle policy choices, making them harder to confront than overt discrimination.

Research on toxism usually focuses on its cumulative impact on mental health, career progression, and organizational climate. Studies indicate that repeated exposure to toxistic environments correlates with increased stress, burnout, and lowered self‑esteem among affected individuals. Efforts to counter toxism involve awareness training, revising workplace policies, and encouraging inclusive dialogues. While not yet an official legal term, toxism sits alongside other modern concepts of workplace harassment and is increasingly recognized by human‑resources practices as a critical area for improvement.