The ‘manosphere’ has had a meteoric rise in the post-pandemic years, fed by social media algorithms that thrive on division.
A catch-all term for online spaces that espouse misogynistic views, the manosphere has fomented dangerous attitudes that have now seeped into Australian classrooms.
Women teachers – who make up over three quarters of the profession – are facing increased gendered disrespect and challenge to their authority.
“The manosphere is not a fringe phenomenon – it is shaping the attitudes and behaviours of young people in very real ways,” said Dr Stephanie Wescott from the Faculty of Education at Monash University.
Dr Wescott said schools have a defining role to play in addressing behaviour stemming from the manosphere, both in relation to protecting teachers and in intervening in potential long-term patterns of violence among boys.
