Examines incel culture across Europe, highlighting isolation, societal pressures, and mental health concerns among men.
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Online forums contain misogynistic threads where users fantasize about sexual subjugation of women, and it is equally easy to find discussions where participants recount experiences of rejection or ridicule from mainstream society, leading them to feel isolated and that every moment of life is suffering. The term “incel,” short for involuntary celibate, has gained media attention globally since the series Adolescent was released. While initially used by a Canadian woman in 1997, it now refers to men unable to form romantic relationships who have given up searching or fallen into nihilistic despair, often blaming their physical appearance or self-diagnosed autism, as well as societal factors like progressivism and feminism. Incels discuss how their experiences vary based on ethnicity and country of origin online, frequently identifying themselves by background (e.g., Arab incels, Slavic incels). Research shows that Polish incels are not uniformly radical; a study found they do not lean toward the far-right more than the average young Pole, with some even being socialist or left-leaning. These individuals often express awareness of class issues and criticize neoliberal teachings. The text also details how societal inequalities in education contribute to their feelings of injustice. In contrast to American contexts, Polish incels rarely find solace in religion; instead, they question God about their status as “losers.” Some Polish incels even support abortion rights, viewing opposition not as moral but as revenge against women who can have sex. Similar themes of poverty and marginalization are observed among Slovak incels online, with discussions focusing on socio-economic issues and the perceived negative impact of Western influence. The author notes that while many theories about incels are flawed, their lived experiences highlight societal failures regarding support for victims of harassment, lookism (appearance discrimination), and the damaging effects of rigid masculine ideals. The phenomenon also points to the harmful nature of heteronormative romantic relationship expectations and the growing issue of male loneliness in late capitalism. Despite efforts by the author to connect with Czech or Slovak incels, they remain largely disconnected from each other online. Ultimately, the text suggests that while some views are extreme, the core issues raised—such as societal failures and damaging norms—warrant public attention focused on mental health support rather than solely focusing on defending against them.
