Reproducing Misogyny: The Indian and Malayali Manosphere

Abstract

Recent times have witnessed a significant resurgence of anti-feminist sentiments globally manifesting primarily through digital communities collectively known as the manosphere. This paper outlines the complex landscape of online misogynistic communities, exploring their ideological structures, radicalization processes, and potential societal implications. By looking into diverse manosphere groups including Men's Rights Activists, Incels, and Red Pill communities, the study describes the sophisticated network of interconnected platforms promoting harmful masculinist ideologies. The paper also provides a preliminary look at the Indian manosphere characterized by content creators mimicking global misogynistic influencers and self-styled mentors who provide relationship advice rooted in deeply misogynistic ideologies backed by conservative political structures. The Malayali manosphere is presented as a regional variant with a distinct identity, distinguished by innovative terminologies and spanning both Kerala and the global Malayalee diaspora.