As Andrew Tate and his brother hit the headlines again this week, there have been calls by teachers in the UK to stop children copying these behaviours of the so-called ‘manosphere’.
In an article in the Telegraph newspaper, researchers at the University of York warn the popularity of influencers like Mr Tate has resulted in a steady creep of misogyny into the classroom, with boys now using them “to justify harassment or derogation of women”. Behaviours include regularly telling his followers that women belong in the kitchen and owe their male partners service.
What is the ‘manosphere’?
The manosphere is a loose, informal network of blogs, forums, websites, and social media communities that focus on issues relating to men and masculinity. While the term itself might seem neutral more recently the manosphere has gained media attention for promoting toxic and often extreme views about gender relations, women, and society at large.
Although designed as a space for men to discuss challenges related to their identity, the manosphere has increasingly become associated with misogyny, resentment toward women, and harmful ideologies.
The University of York study suggested pupils are copying manosphere influencers such as Mr Tate and spreading a culture of misogyny in UK classrooms. Several teachers cited examples of pupils repeating the influencer’s claims that “girls would not be good leaders” or that “women would soon not be allowed outside”.
More than three quarters of secondary school teachers surveyed said they were extremely concerned about the influence of online misogynists over their pupils.
Shockingly, some 44 per cent said this had resulted in inappropriate behaviour towards female pupils, while 14 per cent of secondary school teachers said they had received sexist abuse in the classroom themselves.
Unfortunately, these behaviours are also becoming more prevalent in primary schools according to the study. Primary school teachers also raised concerns over the spread of misogynistic language, with one reporting that a pupil told them it was all right to hurt women “because Andrew Tate does it”.
Tackling the negative influence of the manosphere has to start early by calling out harmful language and comments. Some toxic traits include:
Misogyny and dehumanisation of women
Reinforcement of harmful gender stereotypes
Blaming feminism for men’s problems
According to Erica Delany in the ScientificOrigin.com encouraging healthier models of masculinity, promoting gender equality, and providing supportive spaces for men to address their concerns can help counterbalance the negative influence of the manosphere. This movement can foster a more inclusive and respectful dialogue about gender and sexuality. And it starts in our classrooms…