“Boys who hate girls, who hate boys, who hate girls”

Abstract

While misogynistic extremism and the rise of “Involuntary Celibacy” (Incel) cultures online have captured media and political attention in recent years, there is comparably little empirical research evidence that explores the social and political determinants of misogyny and its role in predisposing adherents to violence. Drawing on data from the most recent wave of the European Values Study, this chapter explores two key aspects of misogynistic extremism: the relationship between key social and political traits and the expression of misogynistic attitudes, and the expression of these attitudes and support for violence. The results of this study suggest that, while extreme misogynistic attitudes appear to be predicted by measures of social connection, happiness, religious involvement, and authoritarian political positioning, there is also a significant relationship between the expression of misogynistic views and support for political violence. The implications of these findings for existing scholarship and policy are discussed, alongside a consideration of the directions for future research.