Incel as an ideology of women’s victimization

Abstract

This paper examines the incel phenomenon as a contemporary form of digitally mediated misogyny and explores the extent to which incel discourse exhibits ideological features. Drawing on theories of relative deprivation, frustration-aggression, hegemonic masculinity, and contemporary models of radicalization, the study analyzes how individual experiences of rejection are transformed into a collective narrative of male victimization and anti-feminist grievance. Particular attention is given to the concept of incel epistemology, referring to the way subjective experiences of marginalization are reframed as evidence of systemic gender injustice within closed online communities. The paper includes an analysis of documented incel-inspired attacks, institutional security assessments, and communication patterns on online forums. The findings suggest that incel communities develop a relatively coherent belief system, clearly defined adversaries, and narratives that, in certain cases, contribute to the normalization of violence. Although incel is not a formally organized ideology, its discursive and emotional structures display characteristics of an emerging subcultural ideology. The paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between gender transformations, digital echo environments, and contemporary forms of misogynistic extremism. Top of FormBottom of Form