Netflix’s popular show, Adolescence, has sparked discussions about the manosphere and violence against women.

Many are looking at ways to change the behavior of boys and young men by encouraging them to seek positive role models and educating them about the dangers of toxic influencers. However, the issue runs deeper as the manosphere comprises various online misogynistic communities.

My ongoing Ph.D. research explores masculinity, class, and nationalism, showing how these themes affect men in their daily lives. To address the harm caused by the manosphere, we need to understand it as a product of a global, neoliberal, capitalist system that thrives on inequality and division.

Neoliberalism, often described as “capitalism on steroids,” promotes individualism and competition, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. The manosphere preys on these feelings.

While role models are crucial, simply changing individuals within the existing system won’t solve the problem. We need to adopt a broader approach, like the one presented by black feminist thought, which calls for systemic changes to address issues like poverty and inequality to prevent violence against women.

The manosphere spreads harmful messages, labeling men who are not “successful” as losers. This concept of value is tied to wealth and productivity, promoting the idea that one’s worth is determined by their output.

The hustle culture within the manosphere emphasizes hypermasculine ideals of self-improvement through dominance and ruthlessness, perpetuating a harmful cycle where self-worth is linked to individual success.

Those influenced by the manosphere narratives are both victims and perpetrators. Addressing this issue requires more than punitive responses like longer prison sentences. We need inclusive ways to address harm, focusing on education, community accountability, and support networks to prevent violence and combat the isolating effects of neoliberalism.

We cannot rely on removing individuals like Andrew Tate from the manosphere to end misogyny and violence. We must understand that these issues stem from a system that prioritizes competition over cooperation and greed over care, affecting everyone negatively.