Loss of manual jobs could be driving toxic masculinity, says Sting
Sting has suggested that the decline of manual jobs may contribute to toxic masculinity in modern society. He believes that the loss of physical productivity for men has led to a disconnection from their energy and strength. His musical, The Last Ship, reflects on the impact of deindustrialization and the identity crisis faced by men in such communities.
- ▪Sting argues that many men no longer engage in physical work, which may lead to toxic traits in masculinity.
- ▪His musical, The Last Ship, focuses on the lives of men affected by the closure of shipyards during deindustrialization.
- ▪Sting expresses nostalgia for the sense of community from his upbringing, despite acknowledging the dangers of the shipbuilding industry.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Sting: ‘I’m nostalgic for the sense of community that I was brought up in.’ Photograph: ANP/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenSting: ‘I’m nostalgic for the sense of community that I was brought up in.’ Photograph: ANP/AFP/Getty ImagesStingLoss of manual jobs could be driving toxic masculinity, says StingMusician says ‘we’ve lost that direction for our energy’ as his play The Last Ship returns to West EndLanre Bakare Arts and culture correspondentThu 28 May 2026 00.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe fact many men no longer use their hands and physicality on a daily basis may be driving some of the toxic traits in modern masculinity, according to Sting.The singer, who on Wednesday announced that his musical about the last days of a shipyard was coming to the West End this…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at the Guardian.
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