07/14/2023
By Karen Mullins

The School of Criminology and Justice Studies is proud to announce a Dissertation Defense by Natalie M. Anastasio entitled "Exploring the Manosphere: Incel Proclivity to Violence and Evolution in the Discourse.”

Date: Wednesday July 26, 2023
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom

Committee: 
  • Arie Perliger, Chair
  • Ryan Shields
  • Neil Shortland
  • Claire Seungeun Lee

Abstract: The recent rise in misogynist violence calls attention to the need to further investigate the individuals and the spaces that support an anti-female ideology. In light of recent attacks such as the Plymouth shooting carried out by Jake Davison, an incel who sought revenge against society for his inability to find a girlfriend, it is necessary to understand how individuals that adhere to this ideology may turn to violence. Additionally, the shooting attempt by Christopher Cleary targeting a women’s march indicates a further need to investigate how misogynists such as incels are engaging with current events in their discourse. This proposal aims to first examine factors related to incel violence by using life course analysis of violent and non-violent incels through interviews and original data collection. Second, the discourse of incel spaces online will be examined over time in relation to current events such as the MeToo movement and mass shootings to determine how the ideology interacts with societal trends and events.