The Manosphere and Misogyny in Gen Z: A Gritting Analysis
The rise of the manosphere, an umbrella term for online communities fostering misogyny, is a disturbing phenomenon that's not only affecting the safety of our workplaces but also increasingly influencing our younger generation. This is indeed a horrific reality, laid bare by a recent study that suggests more than half of Gen Z are in favour of an authoritarian rule, revealing a disquieting acceptance of extreme ideologies.
Alarmingly, a new study (https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/study-gen-z-dictatorship-channel-four-b1207319.html) highlights a stark and growing gender divide among younger generations. About 45% of male respondents aged between 13 and 27 feel that efforts to promote women’s equality have now begun to discriminate against men. Additionally, a similar proportion believes that measures aimed at giving women equal rights have gone far enough and no further action is needed. These statistics reflect the troubling rise of misogynistic views held by many Gen Z men, suggesting a backlash against gender equality initiatives. Experts suggest that these attitudes are deeply influenced by the toxic manosphere culture, a network of online communities that perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women and frame gender equality as a threat to men’s status. This cultural phenomenon appears to be shaping the perspectives of young men in ways that could have significant implications for societal progress.
Recent statistics shed further light on the attitudes and perspectives shaping Gen Z and highlight the complex and often contradictory views held by this generation. Among Gen Z respondents, 52% believed that the UK would be a better place if a "strong leader was in charge who did not have to bother with parliament and elections," while 33% agreed the UK would be better off if the "army was in charge." Notably, 47% expressed that the organisation of society "must be radically changed through revolution." On gender-related issues, 45% of male respondents felt that "we have gone so far in promoting women's equality that we are discriminating against men." A similar proportion of men, aged between 13 and 27, agreed that "when it comes to giving women equal rights, things have gone far enough." The influence of social media was also evident, with 58% of respondents stating that they trusted social media posts from friends more than traditional news outlets. Influencers such as Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson garnered trust from 42% of men. The comments of a 25-year-old man from Cornwall underscore some of these sentiments; he shared feeling "targeted" as a "regular straight white man" and perceived a risk of being discriminated against despite acknowledging a "cultural advantage" in the past. Alex Mahon, chief executive of Channel 4, summarised these findings by describing Gen Z as "both the most authoritarian and liberal generation." She warned of a concerning disengagement from democracy, exacerbated by online figures who exploit and distort the truth, alongside a deepening gender divide. These conclusions were drawn from a comprehensive sample of 3,000 adults across all age groups.
The manosphere culture consists of various groups, including men's rights activists, pick-up artists, and incels, among others. These groups often share overlapping ideologies that perpetuate misogyny, entitlement, and hostility towards women. This subculture has been linked to real-world violence, online harassment campaigns, and the degradation of workplace environments through toxic attitudes and behaviors. What makes this issue particularly alarming is how this culture has infiltrated the minds of many Gen Z boys and men through social media, forums, and influencers who promote these harmful ideologies. The resulting views they adopt are not only deeply disturbing but also pose significant dangers to society, fostering unhealthy relationships, perpetuating gender inequality, and contributing to ongoing patterns of abuse and discrimination.
This is why at The Stay Safe Global Charitable Trust, we believe it is urgent for organisations to take proactive steps to tackle this growing issue. Our approach is customised to cater to the unique challenges of different industries. Our team, spearheaded by Nicolas Martin, CEO of The Stay Safe Global Charitable Trust, brings over twenty years of dedicated experience, including working directly within domestic violence refuges.
We have worked with leading corporations like Google's Global Security Team, ensuring they are equipped to tackle these critical issues. Our collaboration with international charitable organisations like No More, ensures that the voices of survivors are heard and considered when developing solutions. We offer informed advisory services to welfare and security teams at some of the world's largest companies. Our comprehensive approach includes consultancy, guest speaking, impact assessments, exploration of the effect of extreme misogyny on welfare and equality programs, and strategies to counter harmful narratives.
These statistics are truly horrific, highlighting the challenges and injustices faced by many. These attitudes are completely unacceptable and have no place in our society. However, by working together, we have the power to drive meaningful change, challenge harmful behaviours, and create safe, equal, and inclusive environments where everyone is valued, respected, and supported.
