New Books in Science, Technology, and Society Simon James Copland, "The Male Complaint: The Manosphere and Misogyny Online" (Polity, 2025)
Sep 12, 2025
Simon James Copland, an Honorary Fellow at the Australian National University and author of "The Male Complaint: The Manosphere and Misogyny Online," explores the troubling rise of the Manosphere, where misogyny thrives online. He delves into its connection to mainstream neoliberal social structures and the allure it holds for alienated men seeking community. Discussing the backlash against feminism and the interplay of masculinity with political distrust, Copland advocates for constructive dialogue and understanding to address these critical societal issues.
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What The Manosphere Is
- The manosphere is a primarily online ecosystem of men discussing sex, relationships, self-help through an anti-feminist lens.
- It frames feminism as a societal takeover that has made men the new oppressed class.
Joker As A Lens On Alienation
- Copland used the film Joker to illustrate how alienated men can identify with violent origin narratives.
- He critiqued both sympathy that excuses violence and dismissals that ignore societal drivers.
Four Main Manosphere Factions
- The manosphere contains distinct subgroups: men's rights, incels, pickup artists, and Men Going Their Own Way.
- Each subgroup shares anti-feminist beliefs but offers different practices and solutions.
