Unveiling "ex-incels": identity dynamics and juxtaposed hegemonic masculinity.

Smith, David S.; Adams, Nick

Abstract

This study examines the experiences of former involuntary celibates (ex-incels) - men who frequented incel communities, but no longer identify with the label. We introduce a framework of Juxtaposed Hegemonic Masculinity to interrogate participants' self-perceptions of time spent within these communities and reflections post-exit, conceptualising the impacts of engagement as identity construction/reconstruction. While some ex-incels embrace forms of masculinity more flexible than the "stoic" ideals by which they previously felt subordinated, others struggle with ingrained prescriptive norms propagated across the manosphere. Juxtaposed notions of masculinities intertwine throughout narratives, giving rise to blended juxtaposed identities in which they reject an archetype to which they still hold themselves. We contribute to understanding factors behind engagement with incel communities, delving into manosphere taxonomies of masculinity and situating them within the wider existential angst experienced by members. We highlight the interplay between inceldom and multiple-masculinities construction, offering insights into complex identity transitions longitudinally influenced by community engagements.

Citation

SMITH, D.S. and ADAMS, N. 2024. Unveiling "ex-incels": identity dynamics and juxtaposed hegemonic masculinity. Presented at the 3rd Joint international annual conference of the LEX Network, Violence Against Women and Girls Research Network, Feminist Legal Research and Action Network, and the Centre for the Study of Emotion and Law (LEX-VAWGRN-FRAN-CSEL 2024): activism, change and feminist futures: remembering the past to reimagine the future, 7-8 November 2024, Liverpool, UK.

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: 3rd Joint international annual conference of the LEX Network, Violence Against Women and Girls Research Network, Feminist Legal Research and Action Network, and the Centre for the Study of Emotion and Law (LEX-VAWGRN-FRAN-CSEL 2024): activism, change and
• Start Date: Nov 7, 2024
• End Date: Nov 8, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 5, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 7, 2024
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Incels; Involuntary celibacy; Masculinity; Online communities
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2571280