Intervening in Problematic Research Approaches to Incel Violence

Abstract

Recent violent attacks by misogynist incels have catalyzed a flurry of research. In this essay, we critique scholarly approaches that attribute incel violence perpetrated by cisgender heterosexual men to poor mental health and loneliness. We argue that such approaches lack explanatory power and methodological rigor, validate misogynist incels’ claims to victimhood, reflect undue sympathy for violent perpetrators, and obscure and legitimize incel violence. To address the limitations of research that focuses on poor mental health and loneliness as the primary causes of incel violence, we recommend researchers incorporate feminist structural and intersectional approaches in their work and conceptualize misogynist incel ideology and violence as products of male supremacist culture and structure.