A Framework for Understanding the Manosphere

Social and Personality Psychology Compass 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Cecilia Rollano, Juan Carlos Pérez-González, Marcos Román‐González
DOI: 10.1111/spc3.70123
Cited by: 5
References: 28

Abstract

ABSTRACT The manosphere is an amalgam of misogynistic digital communities—incels, MGTOWs, MRAs, and PUAs—that, in recent decades, have shifted from complete ostracism to the mainstream. This study aims to provide a narrative review of the updated literature and to offer a critical framework for the understanding and studying the manosphere, structured around four dimensions: leadership, affordances, identity, and coordinated misogynistic practices. It concludes by outlining two key challenges facing manosphere research: advancing methodologically and avoiding the normalisation or even the whitewashing of misogyny.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Gender Feminism and Media Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion Humor Studies and Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
Social and Personality Psychology Compass
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
20
Issue
1
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN