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Even though I’m not an incel, I’m still an involuntary celibate: a journey in and out of inceldom.

Smith, David S.; Butler-Warke, Alice; Stevens, Gemma

Authors

Alice Butler-Warke

Gemma Stevens



Abstract

Incels, or involuntary celibates, represent a sub-section of the manosphere: an informal confederacy of digital communities where men construct and strengthen anti-feminist/male hegemonic narratives. Inceldom represents a beta masculine identity, with members placing themselves at the bottom of a natural hierarchy. Bonded by a shared belief in their genetic inferiority and ensuing sexual marginalization, they are depressed and angered by the perceived permanence of their circumstances. In extreme cases, this outlook has been linked to acts of mass murder. The present study investigated how these digital communities attract young men, why they stay, and how they can be supported to leave. Online interviews were conducted with ex-incels to study why they joined incel communities, stayed in them, and later left. Thematic analysis identified six key themes, representing key stages across their journey in and out of inceldom: i) involuntary celibacy before inceldom; ii) "fucked by the world;" iii) failing with women = failing at life; iv) a safe space; vi) online de-radicalization; and vi) residue. Combined, they demonstrate how insular online spaces further isolate and radicalize socially inhibited young men.

Citation

SMITH, D.S., BUTLER-WARKE, A. and STEVENS, G. [2024]. Even though I'm not an incel, I'm still an involuntary celibate: a journey in and out of inceldom. Communication review [online], Latest Articles. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/10714421.2024.2383814

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jul 23, 2024
Online Publication Date Jul 24, 2024
Deposit Date Jul 25, 2024
Publicly Available Date Jul 25, 2024
Journal Communication review
Print ISSN 1071-4421
Electronic ISSN 1547-7487
Publisher Routledge
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/10714421.2024.2383814
Keywords Black pill; Inceldom; Manosphere; Radicalization; Red pill
Public URL https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2418781
Additional Information A pre-print version of this article is available at https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/v78z3.

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