The manosphere is a male-centric collection of male-authored websites, blogs and social media spaces. It encompasses a variety of communities and ideologies. Seemingly, they promote topics related to men’s concerns from men’s rights to self-improvement, relationships, dating, fitness, physical health, and more. Some of them are supportive of men’s rights, while others are more controversial and extreme.
Andrew Tate, a former kickboxing champion and social media influencer, is a controversial figure within the manosphere, an online community focused on masculinity and men’s issues. Known for his brash style, Tate promotes self-improvement, financial independence, and traditional gender roles, advocating for a more assertive form of masculinity. While his views resonate with many seeking guidance, critics argue they can be overly simplistic and misogynistic, contributing to toxic attitudes. Despite the controversy, Tate’s influence highlights ongoing debates about masculinity and gender roles in modern society.
Key elements and groups within the manosphere include:
- Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs): These individuals advocate for men’s rights, focusing on issues such as family law, domestic violence, and workplace discrimination. They argue that men face systemic disadvantages in these areas.
- Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW): MGTOW is a movement of men who have decided to avoid relationships with women, particularly marriage, to protect themselves from perceived risks and injustices.
- Pick-Up Artists (PUAs): This community focuses on strategies and techniques for men to attract women, often emphasising manipulative tactics and controversial attitudes towards women.
- Involuntary Celibates (Incels): Incels are men who feel they are unable to find romantic or sexual partners despite desiring them. Some incel communities harbour resentment and anger towards women and society.
- Red Pill Community: Inspired by the metaphor from “The Matrix” movie, the Red Pill community believes they see the “truth” about gender dynamics and societal structures that favour women at the expense of men. They often advocate for traditional gender roles and a return to perceived past norms.
The manosphere has been criticised for fostering misogynistic attitudes and behaviours, as well as for promoting harmful stereotypes about both men and women. It has been linked to various incidents of online harassment and real-world violence. However, not all participants in the manosphere engage in extreme or negative behaviours; some genuinely seek support and discussion around men’s issues.
The Problem in Schools
In 2021, Ofsted acknowledged ‘how prevalent sexual harassment and online sexual abuse are for children and young people.’ They’re not wrong. Currently, over a third of female students at mixed-sex secondary schools will experience some form of sexual harassment at school. Hovering over this landscape of toxic abuse lies the stratospheric rise of misogynist influencers such as Andrew Tate, whose flashy displays of wealth, power and aggression seduce young boys who seek to emulate him.
- 45% 16-24 year old males have a positive opinion of Tate, with just 26% having a negative opinion
- Among 16-17 year olds, only 1% of female respondents shared a positive view of Tate; 82% had a negative view. But for male respondents, 52% shared a positive view with only 19% holding a negative view.
- The most popular responses when asked why those who hold a positive view of Andrew Tate feel that way was that Tate “wants men to be real men” or that “he gives good advice” (YouGov, 2023)
How can we tackle the problem?
- Educate students on what is not acceptable
- Create a clear policy protecting students and staff
- Teach boys to call each other out
- Discuss Misogyny and Tate
- Attend our Tackling Misogyny Course
Tackling Misogyny and the Andrew Tate Phenomenon Course
Our course led by Matt Pinkett will improve your understanding of Andrew Tate and other online misogynist groups while providing you with a practical toolkit to respond effectively to sexism and misogyny when it is raised. The course will also help you to better understand the root causes of misogyny and sexism in adolescent boys and give you the tools to combat it when it occurs.
