A group of second-year International Social Work students from HAN University in the Netherlands is delving into the complex and controversial world of the manosphere as part of an ambitious research project. The team – Gabriel, Bente, Insa, and Jula – has been investigating the origins, dynamics, and consequences of this online movement, which has gained significant influence in recent years.

Their study takes a global perspective, examining issues and approaches in the UK, the US, and the Netherlands. To gain deeper insights, the students are engaging with a diverse range of voices, including professionals, academics, and social media influencers. “It’s important for us to create a clear image of how the manosphere works, where it came from, and what the consequences are,” the group explained in an email. They are particularly interested in understanding its impact on young people and how these online communities shape attitudes toward gender and relationships.

The project was inspired by an article on the manosphere by Services For Education School Support Adviser, Jo Perrin, which caught the students’ attention during their research. They hope to speak with experts like Perrin to share observations and opinions that will help inform their findings. By exploring this phenomenon across different cultural contexts, the team aims to shed light on the broader social implications of the manosphere and contribute to discussions about its influence on modern society.