Josephine Broyd, Sophie King-Hill
Beyond the Manosphere: Violence, Vulnerability, and reframing Macsculinity for boys and young men in a digital age
Workshop Abstract
Misogynistic content is spreading online through the ‘Manosphere’, which poses new threats by creating misogynistic echo chambers and, in extreme cases, inciting real-life violence. The incel community, one subcommunity within the Manosphere, has been of increasing concern due to recent cases of mass violence associated with certain members.
The threat posed by incels is complex and limited to a minority of incels. However, the vulnerability of incels is clear and may reflect a broader crisis faced by many young men today. Therefore, steps need to be taken to identify how academics, practitioners and policy makers can best support these individuals.
This workshop aims to provide practitioners with an in depth understanding of the Manosphere and incel phenomenon, recognising it as a complex interaction of factors, whilst maintaining a degree of compassion as we try to determine the best approach to intervention
About the Speakers
Josephine Broyd is currently a PhD Researcher at the University of Birmingham, School of Psychology. She has previously worked in high secure services in research and neuropsychology roles. Josephine specialises in extreme online communities and takes a rehabilitative approach to her work, focusing on risk from the incel community.
Dr Sophie King-Hill is an Associate Professor at the Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham and Head of Equity, Diversity & Belonging for the School of Social Policy. Her research focuses on sexual behaviours in children and young people, sibling sexual abuse, misogyny and gender, with a strong emphasis on participatory approaches and youth voice.
Sophie has led multiple research projects and developed a number of practitioner tools, resources and books. She works across policy, practice, and education to influence safeguarding and inclusion.