"Avoiding my emotions and beating myself up for having them": A sociological exploration into why some men become incels

Abstract

This thesis explores the process of becoming an incel. Applying Axel Honneth’s theory of recognition and Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity, this thesis critically analyzes the existing literature on the topic. The findings include the notions of denial of manhood, lack of support systems, and the effects of physical appearance as important facets in the process of becoming an incel. This analysis highlights the need of a recognition based framework when researching the sensitive topic of incels and their communities, and advocates for the re-centering of men and their lived experiences. The analysis concludes that the framework of recognition is underused in the research of incels, and argues that it provides a useful and novel look at the issue. Using gender performance as a foundation to understand the social relations of gender, the analysis highlights how important the performative nature of gender is for men, even when they might reject the notion of performativity entirely. Due to the emergent, contemporary nature of the topic, more research is needed to get a full picture of this process and the overall societal aspects of the topic.

This thesis explores the process of becoming an incel. Applying Axel Honneth’s theory of recognition and Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity, this thesis critically analyzes the existing literature on the topic. The findings include the notions of denial of manhood, lack of support systems, and the effects of physical appearance as important facets in the process of becoming an incel. This analysis highlights the need of a recognition based framework when researching the sensitive topic of incels and their communities, and advocates for the re-centering of men and their lived experiences. The analysis concludes that the framework of recognition is underused in the research of incels, and argues that it provides a useful and novel look at the issue. Using gender performance as a foundation to understand the social relations of gender, the analysis highlights how important the performative nature of gender is for men, even when they might reject the notion of performativity entirely. Due to the emergent, contemporary nature of the topic, more research is needed to get a full picture of this process and the overall societal aspects of the topic.