Project description
Counteracting toxic masculinity online
Online manosphere communities, such as Pickup Artists, InCels, and MGTOWs, propagate narratives that challenge mainstream gender beliefs. These groups, advocating for self-improvement and rejecting political correctness, often veer into misogynistic rhetoric. InCels, in particular, are known for promoting dangerous ideologies that fuel violence against women. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, the MANOS project studies the construction of gender narratives within these communities, aiming to counteract their negative effects and promote gender equality. By understanding and mitigating these negative influences, MANOS seeks to promote gender equality and prevent misogynistic violence, shaping more positive online environments.
Objective
"This research intends to explore the discourses and social dynamics constructed on social media by manosphere groups, particularly Pickup Artist, InCel, and MGTOW communities, as well as its roots and if these discourses are successfully imported to the Portuguese and the Irish contexts, comparing both. The study will focus on the gender identity narratives created by men who identify with these groups or singular influencers with similar discourses. Pickup Artists and MGTOWs share the red pill theory which is characterized by a rejection of “the mainstream beliefs around gender”, i.e. the views of liberal feminists whom they believe are marginalizing men. To deal with it, they advocate for individual self-improvement and reject political correctness, and INCELs use the term ""black pill"" to describe the belief that there is no hope for them to have a romantic/sexual relationship, which can lead to radicalisation and support for violence against women. The main goal of this research project is to examine the construction of narratives about gender in Portuguese and Irish communities of men online; to explore how these communities represent and construct their identity, often through discourses of anti-feminism and misogyny, and how these representations vary across social media platforms and geographical contexts. MANOS will be informed by Critical Theory (Discourse, Narrative, Gender & Media Studies). The project will use a mixed-method approach that combines systematic literature review, critical discourse analysis & digital ethnography (non-participant observation, in-depth interviews & focus groups) to analyse the data collected from both online & offline environments. The research will ultimately identify and develop strategies to counteract the negative effects of these communities, promote gender equality, and the prevention of misogynistic violence by informing public educational policies about internet usage."
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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9 Dublin
Ireland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.