Female teachers have expressed concerns regarding the impact of the "incel" subculture on teenage boys. A recent survey conducted by the NASUWT union revealed that seven out of ten female teachers have experienced misogyny in schools. The union, which boasts 300,000 members across the UK, confirmed the existence of widespread sexual harassment and misogyny in classrooms, with over 50% of participants reporting experiences of misogyny from students. The organization has taken a deep interest in the level of sexism experienced by women, as well as trans and non-binary members and students, in schools and is actively seeking ways to address it.
In addition, the NASUWT union is concerned about a lack of initiatives by the government to address the problem of "involuntary celibates" or "incels." The union has raised concerns that teenagers are increasingly turning to the incel community, which promotes anti-female views that are frequently hostile and misogynistic. This subculture is characterized by men who consider themselves unable to find sexual or romantic partners and harbor resentment towards those who engage in such activities, particularly women. The community’s online forums are often filled with hate-filled discourse.
Current reports suggest that Jake Davison, responsible for the killings of five out of seven people in Plymouth in 2021, has been praised by the incel community online. Data indicates that forum visits have increased almost sixfold within nine months.
During the NASUWT’s annual conference in Birmingham, a survey comprising 1,500 female members revealed that 72% had experienced misogyny in school, with more than half stating that their schools were doing too little to address the issue. The conference motion’s propositions include urging the national executive to lobby the government to recognize misogyny as a hate crime and to classify the incel community as an extremist group with connections to alt-right viewpoints.
Additional proposals are for researching how incel communities affect young boys in schools and colleges, aiming to submit a report next year. The motion also calls for the union to advocate for fully funded mental health services and wellbeing programs for boys, stressing a need for early intervention.
The NASUWT poll showed that misogyny emanated from various members of the school community, with almost sixty percent of instances stemming from pupils. Senior leaders, other teachers, headteachers, and parents were also perpetrators of such behavior. Misogynistic behavior included intimidation, unprofessional conduct, undermining behavior, and derogatory comments on ability, intellect, clothing, and teaching styles. Sexual and physical violence accounted for only 3% of cases.
The survey showed that a fifth of teachers who reported cases of misogyny to their school had their allegations dismissed, and two in five reported missed promotional opportunities. Additionally, more than a quarter of respondents noted a negative impact on their salaries.
Participants in the poll shared several examples of misogynistic behavior experienced in their schools. These examples included students making sexist comments about women’s roles in the workplace and home, as well as comments about feminism as a man-hating ideology. Other examples of misconduct include grabbing teachers’ backsides in corridors, exposing oneself during lessons, and making sexual sounds to intimidate teachers. Misogyny from colleagues included insulting or dismissive comments made by senior leadership members and promoting sexist behavior in male-only chat groups.
According to a representative from the government, it is completely unacceptable for teachers to face disrespectful behavior solely for performing their duties. It is imperative that any instances of sexual violence or sexual harassment that are brought to the attention of school administrators are handled with appropriate gravity.
Moreover, education professionals should be given regular training in safeguarding to enable them to identify and address occurrences of abuse or harassment involving either students or colleagues.
