The hypermodern or historical crisis of masculinity? - Narratives, tropes, and use of history within male-centric milieus during the 2010s and 2020s and their connections to contemporary and historical Far-Right milieus

Over the past 15 years, numerous internet-based male-centric milieus have emerged, formed around the perception of the existence of a crisis of masculinity and that feminism has gone too far. In their most extreme forms, these views have led to both violent and deadly acts.

This project aims to understand the worldviews of some of the largest and most notorious male-centric online communities and how history is employed in shaping these worldviews. These perspectives will be compared with movements and milieus that share similar views, which previous research has shown to exist between male-centric milieus and contemporary as well as historical far-right milieus.

The project will study the online forums of some of the largest groups within the male-centric milieu and analyze the stories, narratives, and use of history present on these forums. The groups that will be studied are often referred to as the "manosphere" – a loose confederation of groups focusing on everything from men's legal rights in society to shared experiences of romantic failures. What unites them all is a focus on men and their relationships with each other and society at large, as well as recurring misogynist views. The groups this project will focus on can shortly be defined as:

• Involuntary celibates (Incels)
• Looksmaxers
• Red pilled mn
• Pick-up artists
  
• Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW)