Extreme Misogyny and Involuntary Celibate (Incel) Ideology

The streaming of the new Netflix drama Adolescence has ignited a nationwide debate in the UK about toxic influences, online radicalisation, and violence against women. The hard-hitting drama, co-created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, follows the radicalisation of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who becomes entangled in the online manosphere before murdering his female classmate. Netflix has now announced that the show will be made free to access for all Secondary Schools across the UK through Into Film+.

What is an Incel?

Incels are self-defined ‘Involuntary Celibates’ who believe that they are unable to form sexual relationships with women due to a combination of looks and their perception of societal structures.

The Incel movement began online in 1977 and was originally conceived as a gender-neutral supportive space where single individuals could connect and help each other. Through the next few decades, this space has evolved into a wildly different environment.

Now Incel refers to the almost exclusively male online spaces characterised by white male supremacy, the oppression of women and the glorification of male violence. Incels believe that Western society is dominated by women, and that the sexual and dating success is impossible for them. They place high value on sexual success and believe that they are entitled to romantic attention. Incels believe that women are denying them opportunities to date, motivating resentment.

Incels grievances often extends beyond women. They hate and often celebrate violence against young girls, because they will one day become women. They also target conventionally attractive men, non-white men and heterosexual couples. Their online spaces vary in their moderation policies. Incels do not form coherent groups or parties, and some may identify with aspects of the ideology as described but not define themselves as Incel.

The Manosphere

The Manosphere is made up of a number of websites, blogs, and online forums promoting masculinity, misogyny, and opposition to feminism.

Communities within the Manosphere include Mens Rights Activists (MRAs), Incels (involuntary celibates), Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW), pick up artists (PUA), and fathers rights groups. While the specifics of each group’s beliefs sometimes conflict, they are generally united in the belief that society is biased against men due to the influence of feminism, and that feminists promote misandry (hatred of men).

The Manosphere overlaps with the far-right and alt-right communities. It has also been associated with online harassment and the glorification of violence against women and girls.

What is Misogyny?

Misogyny is hatred of, contempt for, women or girls. It is a form of sexism that sees women as a lower social status than men, maintaining the social roles of patriarchy.

Examples of misogyny include violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, and femicide. Misogyny often operates through sexual harassment, coercion, and psychological techniques aimed at controlling women.

Is Incel a terror threat?

Whilst the majority of Incels have no interest in violence, a number of attacks thought to be inspired by Incel ideas since 2014 suggest a small number may pose a threat to the public. Furthermore, as many Incels present as depressed and extremely isolated with a fixation on the idea of suicide, they may also pose a threat to themselves.

In some Incel communities, it is common for posts to glorify violence by self-identified Incels such as Elliot Rodger. Elliot Rodger, sometimes described as ‘The Supreme Gentleman’, wrote a manifesto entitled ‘My Twisted Life’ and posted a YouTube video entitled ‘Elliot Roger’s Retribution’ detailing his hatred of women and ethnic minorities as well as his failure to form romantic relationships. He then went on to murder six people in a stabbing, firearms and vehicle-ramming attack in Isla Vista, California.

In 2020, the BBC described Rodger as “the founding father of the Incel ideology”.

A second notable attack was carried out in Toronto, Canada in April 2018 by Alek Minassian. Minassian carried out a vehicle-ramming attack by driving a van into pedestrians, killing ten. Prior to the attack, Minassian posted on Facebook stating: “The Incel Rebellion has already begun! We will overthrow all the Chads and Stacys! All hail the Supreme Gentleman Elliot Rodger!”

Its important to acknowledge that individuals associated with this ideology have carried out a number of notable attacks in the UK in recent years, including the mass shooting committed by Jake Davison, in 2021 in Plymouth. Before the attacks Davison had uploaded videos to YouTube under the name “Professor Waffle”. His videos included references to “inceldom”, the black pill world view and general nihilism.

Key Words:

There is a lexicon of words and references that summarise the Incel ideology – creating an inward looking and isolated community. Many of the terms derive from the concept of coloured pills introduced in the film The Matrix.

Click on the picture for a list of commonly used phrases and terminology.

Warning signs/ radicalisation indicators

Many of the indicators of a radicalisation concern can also be applied to Incel ideology. Signs of radicalisation can include:

– A sudden and unexplained change in behaviour
– Sudden and unexplained changes to friends and appearance
– No longer doing things they enjoy
– Becoming secretive, withdrawn or isolated
– Becoming sympathetic to extremist ideologies and groups (including extreme
misogyny and racism)
– Developing a fascination with violence or weaponry
– Changing online identity or having more than one online identity.
Click here for more information and detail.

As with other forms of radicalisation and extremism, each case will have a complex
background of interrelating influences and vulnerabilities. Common characteristics include:

– Complex family backgrounds
– Use of the internet
– Social isolation and adversity
– Fascination with guns or violence
– Emasculation
– Suicidal ideation or self harm

The Incel ideology is characterised by a lack of social engagement, poor self-image, poor mental health, and suicidal ideation. An individual who subscribes to this ideology is much more likely to harm themselves than others.

Useful Links:

For more information about the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy: VAWG Strategy – Wirral Safeguarding Children Partnership

For more information about Prevent and Extremism: Prevent Radicalisation and Extremism – Wirral Safeguarding Children Partnership