No. 60 What are incels?

Contents

What are incels?

“Incels” is short for “involuntary celibates.” This term refers to an online group of people, primarily men, who feel unable to find romantic or sexual partners despite wanting to. The term has gained notoriety due to some members of the incel community expressing extreme frustration and anger, sometimes leading to harmful behaviour or rhetoric.

Individuals associated with this ideology have carried out a number of notable attacks in the UK in recent years.

2020: Trial of Anwar Driouich (24) – Middlesbrough, UK.
2020: Trial of Gabrielle Friel (22) – Edinburgh, UK.
2021: Jake Davison (22) – Plymouth, UK.

It is unclear whether these cases were driven by purely ideology or whether there were other factors at play.

Origins and evolution

The term “incel” was originally coined in the 1990s by a woman who created a website to discuss her own struggles with dating. It was intended as a support group for people facing similar issues.

Today, the term is predominantly used by men who feel excluded from romantic and sexual relationships. The community has grown significantly online, particularly on forums and social media.

What is incel ideology?

It is a set of beliefs held by some members of the “involuntary celibate” community. Here are some key aspects:

Belief in involuntary celibacy: Incels believe they are unable to find romantic or sexual partners despite wanting to, often attributing this to factors beyond their control, such as their physical appearance or societal norms.

Views on gender relations: Many incels hold negative views towards women, believing that women are responsible for their lack of romantic success. This can lead to misogynistic attitudes and resentment.

‘Blackpill’ philosophy: A subset of incels adhere to the ‘blackpill’ philosophy, which is a pessimistic view that suggests one’s romantic and social fate is determined by genetics and physical appearance, and that self-improvement efforts are futile.

Community and echo chambers: Online forums and communities often reinforce these beliefs, creating echo chambers where negative and harmful ideas can proliferate.

A shared vocabulary

A shared vocabulary of slang plays a large part in incel communication and can be found in online interactions, including on social media, in memes and messages. Much of this shared language focuses on describing women, and their sexual partners, in generalised, derogatory, and dehumanising ways. It also emphasises the ‘us and them’ attitudes that categorise the community. The terms ‘Stacy’ and ‘Chad’ are used to describe stereotypical perceptions of attractive and socially successful individuals.

Stacy: refers to a woman who is perceived as highly attractive, popular, and desired by men. Incel communities often view ‘Stacys’ as being out of their reach and only interested in dating ‘Chads’.
Chad: is used to describe a man who is seen as very attractive, confident, and successful with women. ‘Chads’ are often depicted as having an easy time in social and romantic situations, which incels envy and resent.

Link to extremism

Some incels have been linked to extremist behaviour, particularly those who adopt more radical ideologies. Online forums can sometimes amplify these extreme views, leading to harmful rhetoric and, in some cases, violent actions.

Many incels participate in online forums where extreme views can be amplified. These echo chambers can reinforce negative beliefs and foster a sense of community around shared grievances.
Some incels harbor intense resentment towards women, which can escalate into misogynistic and hateful rhetoric. This can sometimes lead to advocating or committing acts of violence against women.
There have been several high-profile cases where individuals identifying as incels have committed violent acts. These incidents have brought attention to the potential for radicalisation within the community.
Some incels adopt extreme ideologies, such as the ‘blackpill’ philosophy, which promotes a fatalistic view of their situation and can justify harmful behaviour as a response to perceived injustices.
Many incels struggle with mental health issues, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and frustration. Without proper support, these feelings can contribute to radicalisation.
Broader societal issues, such as economic instability and social isolation, can also play a role in pushing individuals towards extremist beliefs.

Understanding the presence of incel culture in schools

This is important for several reasons:
Pupils who identify with incel culture may be struggling with feelings of isolation, rejection, and low self-esteem. Addressing these issues early can help prevent more serious mental health problems.
Incel ideologies can sometimes lead to negative behaviours such as bullying or harassment of peers, particularly towards women. Schools need to be aware of these dynamics to foster a safe and inclusive environment.
Educating pupils about healthy relationships, consent, and respect can counteract the negative messages that incel communities might spread.
Providing support through counselling and peer support groups can help pupils who feel isolated or rejected find healthier ways to cope with their feelings.

Addressing incel culture in school

Addressing the issue of incel culture in schools requires a multi-faceted approach that focuses on education, support, and creating a positive school environment. Here are some effective strategies:

Education and awareness

Incorporate lessons on healthy relationships, consent, and respect into the curriculum. This can help pupils understand the importance of mutual respect and empathy.
Promote British values.
Regular online safety training.
Organise workshops that address topics like gender equality, emotional
intelligence, and online safety. Bringing in experts can provide valuable insights and foster open discussions.

Mental Health support

Ensure that pupils have access to school counsellors who can provide support for those feeling isolated or struggling with self-esteem issues.
Establish peer support groups where pupils can share their experiences and support each other in a safe environment.

Positive school environment

Implement and enforce strict anti-bullying policies. Encourage pupils to report any incidents of bullying or harassment.
Promote activities that encourage inclusivity and teamwork. This can help pupils build positive relationships and reduce feelings of isolation.

Parental involvement

Encourage open communication between parents and the school to address any concerns early on.

Educate parents about the signs of involvement in harmful online communities and how to support their children.

Monitoring and intervention

Be aware of pupils’ online activities and intervene if there are signs of involvement in harmful communities.
Be aware of incel terminology. This can act as a warning sign that would warrant further discussion and exploration.
Address any signs of distress or harmful behaviour early on through early support.

By taking these steps, schools can create a supportive and inclusive environment that helps prevent the spread of harmful ideologies and supports the well-being of all pupils.

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