The Symbolic Boundary Work of Incels: Subcultural Negotiation of Meaning and Identity Online

This article explores the boundary work of incels (involuntary celibates), to counter negative media coverage and online ridicule. Attempting claim rational status, have created alternative information channels that reframe their situation involuntary celibacy as a legitimate life circumstance. I examine symbolic boundaries within incel subculture, using Incel Wikipedia page specialized encyclopedia for milieu. After describing worldview subcultural identity, analyze how engage in differentiate solidify status – categorizing themselves other people. The draws on theories narrative cultural criminology present negotiate identity by establishing exclude out-groups such women, sexually successful men, mainstream society. It concludes considering in-group are based degrees inceldom, gender, violent actors. As site resistance, wiki reveals social is formed given meaning contrast others. argue can help us unravel ecosystem analyzing negotiation external internal boundaries.