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Gender, Misogyny, and the Internet: The Radicalisation of Young Men in the Involuntary celibate (Incel) Community

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Abstract

This literature review examines the radicalisation of men within the involuntary celibate (Incel) community, a subgroup of the broader manosphere: online men’s resistance movements against feminism and female empowerment. The incel ideology, shaped by perceptions of victimhood, fatalism, and biological determinism, fosters toxic narratives that have, in some cases, led to gender-based violence. The internet plays a critical role in facilitating incel radicalisation, providing spaces where harmful beliefs are reinforced. While most incels are not violent, the potential for extremism remains a significant concern. This chapter reviews the historical underpinnings of the incel movement, the characteristics associated with incel identity, and conceptualisations of incel ideology-fuelled violence. Drawing on wider radicalisation literature, theoretical models of radicalisation and strategies for de-radicalisation and prevention are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUnravelling Radicalisation
Subtitle of host publicationExploring Concepts, Contexts, and Perspectives
EditorsGilbert McLaughlin, Antoinette Huber
PublisherSpringer Nature
Chapter12
Pages243-266
ISBN (Electronic)9783031918872
ISBN (Print)9783031918865, 9783031918896
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Aug 2025
EventDay of Discussion: Unraveling Radicalisation: Exploring Concepts, Contexts and Perspectives - University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Duration: 13 Mar 202513 Mar 2025

Publication series

SeriesCrime Prevention and Security Management

Symposium

SymposiumDay of Discussion: Unraveling Radicalisation
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLiverpool
Period13/03/2513/03/25

Keywords

  • RADICALISATION
  • Incel
  • Involuntary Celibate
  • IDEOLOGY
  • Ideological Violence
  • De-radicalisation
  • Manosphere

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