New Books in Critical Theory Simon James Copland, "The Male Complaint: The Manosphere and Misogyny Online" (Polity, 2025)
Sep 12, 2025
In this discussion, Simon James Copland, Honorary Fellow at the Australian National University, delves into the troubling world of the Manosphere, a hub of online misogyny influenced by figures like Andrew Tate. He examines how this community thrives on alienation, providing men with a false sense of belonging tied to toxic narratives. Copland critiques the simplistic solutions offered by these influencers and discusses the impact of neoliberalism and economic discontent on masculinity. The conversation highlights the urgent need for inclusive dialogues and strategies to address these complex societal issues.
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Manosphere Emerged From Post-2016 Alienation
- The manosphere grew into a major political force after 2016 by offering simple answers to complex social shifts.
- Simon Copland links its rise to men's alienation and the appeal of clear enemies like feminism.
Four Branches Under One Anti‑Feminist Story
- The manosphere is an online ecosystem uniting men's-rights, incels, pick-up artists and MGTOW under anti-feminist beliefs.
- Its shared story: society is feminised and men must fight back or regain control.
Insecurity Fuels Simple Scapegoating Narratives
- Economic and social insecurity make simple scapegoating narratives highly attractive to disaffected people.
- Copland connects manosphere recruitment to wider far‑right and conspiratorial movements.
