Explanation
Misogyny describes negative attitudes, hostility, hatred, or discriminatory practices directed toward women and femininity. Misogyny can appear in interpersonal behavior, cultural norms, institutional structures, online communication, or political ideologies.
Feminist scholars emphasize that misogyny is not merely individual prejudice but often embedded within broader systems of patriarchy and gender inequality.
Misogyny may manifest through:
- gender-based violence,
- sexual harassment,
- objectification,
- online hate speech,
- exclusion from power structures,
- or degrading stereotypes about women.
In recent years, criminologists and sociologists have increasingly examined misogyny within digital cultures, online radicalization, and manosphere communities.
Some researchers argue that misogynistic ideologies can contribute to extremist violence and social polarization.
Theoretical Reference
Misogyny is associated with feminist theory, gender studies, feminist criminology, critical criminology, masculinity studies, and online radicalization research.