Struggles with masculinity drive men into incel communities

A recent study published in Sex Roles highlights the pathways that lead men into so-called “incel” communities and identifies key points for intervention to prevent harmful engagement.

Incels, or “involuntary celibates,” are men who feel denied relationships and sex due to an unjust social system, sometimes adopting misogynistic beliefs and even committing acts of violence. Alyssa Maryn and colleagues conducted this research to understand the emotional and social factors that lead men into the incel community and how these pathways can be disrupted.

Past literature has linked incel identity to failures in conforming to masculine norms, which include sexual success and physical attractiveness. Men who fail to meet these expectations may seek help online, and often find themselves drawn to communities that validate their frustrations, like the incel community.

Previous studies have shown that the mental health struggles of many incels are exacerbated by rigid gender norms, which discourage help-seeking and promote isolation. By focusing on former incels, Maryn and colleagues sought to understand how men found these communities and how they eventually left.

The research team interviewed 21 former incels, aged 18 to 38, who were recruited through Reddit. The researchers specifically targeted individuals who first identified as incels between ages 15 and 24. All participants were men attracted to women, and most identified as heterosexual, though some described themselves as bisexual or questioning their sexual orientation.

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Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured format, which covered topics like their experiences with incel ideology and the reasons they joined and left the community. Interviews were conducted online and anonymized to protect participants’ identities. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, which is a flexible approach that organizes data into themes based on participants’ narratives.

The results of the study revealed two major themes. The first theme, “Seeking help online for struggles meeting masculinity norms,” highlighted participants’ struggles with societal pressures to conform to traditional masculine ideals. Many reported feelings of inadequacy related to their inability to form sexual or romantic relationships, as well as general social isolation. These unmet needs led participants to seek help online, where they found incel forums that seemed to offer validation and support for their struggles. They described feeling like “losers” because they could not meet societal expectations of sexual conquest, which compounded their sense of worthlessness and isolation.

The second theme, “Down the rabbit hole: Finding help online from the incel community,” illustrated how once these men found incel communities, they were drawn in by the validation and camaraderie offered by other members. The forums provided a space where participants felt they could discuss taboo topics, like their sexual frustrations, without fear of judgment. Many participants reported feeling a sense of belonging and even superiority, as the community allowed them to shift blame for their struggles onto women and society, rather than addressing their own personal or relational issues.

However, as participants matured and reflected on their time in these forums, many recognized the harmful effects of these communities on their mental health and social well-being, which eventually led them to disengage. This process of leaving the incel community was often driven by a desire to improve their lives by taking responsibility for their relationships and personal growth.

The findings from this study highlight the importance of addressing masculine norms and offering alternative sources of support to men at risk of becoming incels. Programs that challenge harmful gender norms and provide online, anonymous support could be key in preventing young men from turning to harmful communities.

One limitation is that the study focused solely on former incels, potentially excluding perspectives from those still actively engaged in these communities. Additionally, the gender of the interviewer may have influenced participants’ willingness to discuss certain topics openly.

The research “Identifying Pathways to the Incel Community and Where to Intervene: A Qualitative Study with Former Incels”, was authored by Alyssa Maryn, Jordan Keough, Ceilidh McConnell, and Deinera Exner-Cortens.