Interrogating the “incel menace”: assessing the threat of male supremacy in terrorism studies

Abstract

Following a series of deadly attacks, and increasingly in recent years, incels have entered not only the public lexicon but also piqued scholarly interest, especially in terrorism research and programmes aimed at countering violent extremism (CVE). However, much of the current analyses largely interpret incel communities as homogenous, and in doing so ignore the complex and often contradictory nature of incel communities. CVE recommendations made by these scholars are often founded on misconceptions of incel identity and community. Through a critical feminist lens, in this article we argue that the focus on incels should seek to understand the role of male supremacy, antifeminism, and misogyny in society. Additionally, we argue against the trend of attempting to classify and securitise incels as a unique form of misogynistic violence, and identify the dangers of a lack of focus on male supremacy.