Description
This paper presents preliminary findings of the project “Exploring Incel and Intimate Partner Violence side-by-side: Theorising Patriarchy For Comparative Work on Gendered Violence.”
The goal of this project is two-fold: first, it questions the distinction made between various manifestations of gendered violence and how they are studied in distinct silos of knowledge (re)production; second, it takes a case study approach to thematically compare the discourse of male perpetrators involved in two forms of gendered violence: incel violence and intimate partner violence.
This paper highlights the key themes interpreted from the data. These themes encompass aspects such as beauty and appearance; sex and love; monogamy and infidelity; victimhood and despair. In doing so, this paper sheds light on the gendered norms and expectations prevalent among incels and perpetrators of intimate partner violence, and delves into the underlying rationales and justifications of these gendered norms. Finally, the paper suggests some potential implications for policy and practice. By critically examining the intricate dynamics of these two forms of gendered violence, the research aims to contribute to a better understanding of patriarchal structures at play in day-to-day violence against women.
Keywords: gendered violence; violence against women; incels; intimate partner violence; domestic abuse; patriarchy
