Navigating the Manosphere: A Scoping Review of Research on Masculinist and Misogynist Online Spaces

Abstract

The manosphere has become a crucial area of study to examine the rise of online masculinist subcultures and the spread of misogynistic discourses on digital platforms. This article presents a scoping review of research from 2018 to 2023 in English and Spanish within the Humanities and Social Sciences, focusing on methodologies, geographical distribution, key topics, communities, and research gaps. Using the ‘Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis’ (SALSA) framework on Scopus and Web of Science, the findings highlight gaps in understanding algorithmic dynamics, interactions between communities, and radicalization among young men. The study also emphasizes the importance of cultural and intersectional approaches to address the manosphere’s diverse global and local expressions.