Sting has suggested that the decline of manual, physically demanding jobs could be contributing to traits often associated with so-called toxic masculinity.

In an interview, the musician reflected on how fewer men now routinely engage in work requiring physical strength and hands-on skill, arguing that this shift may have removed an important outlet for energy and identity.

He stated that he considers himself fortunate to continue using his hands daily as a musician and implied that this kind of practical engagement is becoming less common in modern life.

The former Police frontman linked his reflections to his creative work on The Last Ship, a musical inspired by his upbringing in the shipbuilding town of Wallsend in north-east England.The production explores the decline of traditional industrial communities following deindustrialisation in the 1970s and 1980s.

Sting spoke about the pride and sense of purpose that existed in such environments, where workers could physically see the results of their labour, despite the often dangerous and difficult conditions.

He acknowledged that he does not have definitive answers, but suggested that modern society may have lost something meaningful in the transition away from heavy industry and skilled manual work.

While he expressed nostalgia for the community spirit of his hometown, he also recognised the harsh realities of those industries, including exposure to hazardous materials.

His comments come amid broader cultural discussions about masculinity, influenced by media and academic studies examining gender identity and behavioural traits.

The article also references recent research indicating that most men do not exhibit extreme or harmful masculine traits, suggesting a more nuanced picture than public debate sometimes implies.