This report explores the phenomenon of ‘incels’—involuntary celibates—and the misogynistic ideology that
underpins a subset of this global community of men that has become a thriving Internet subculture. It examines how
online spaces, from popular social media sites to dedicated incel forums, are providing a platform for not just the
expansion of misogynistic views but gender-based violent extremism.
It is important to note that not all incels hold violent beliefs and of course not all misogynists are incels. To denote
the difference, the term ‘misogynist incel’ (MI) is used to describe incels who dehumanise women, glorify violence
and adhere to a male supremacist ideology. As a result of this complexity, policy and implementation responsibility
for dealing with each phenomenon is dispersed so it is useful to clarify lines on responsibility. Misogyny is a threat
to social cohesion but, for the most part, is a societal issue and not a security matter. Domestic violence is an
abhorrent crime, but remains a law enforcement responsibility. Where violence against women involves an ideology,
in this case an MI ideology, it becomes a potential national security matter. (From the Executive summary). Record #8340