Graduation Semester and Year
Spring 2026
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Department
Criminology and Criminal Justice
First Advisor
Fangzhou Wang
Second Advisor
Jaya Davis
Third Advisor
Christi Gullion
Abstract
The rapid proliferation of incel-related content across digital platforms has raised concerns about online misogyny and its potential impact on women’s perceived safety. However, less is known about how exposure to such content shapes women’s perceptions of risk and emotional responses in everyday digital environments. This study examines the relationship between exposure to incel-related content and women’s perceived risk of gender-based violence and safety-related anxiety. Guided by strain theory, social control theory, hegemonic masculinity, and intersectionality, the study employs an anonymous cross-sectional online survey of women aged 18 and older. Quantitative analyses were conducted to assess whether exposure to incel-related content predicts perceived risk and safety-related anxiety, while controlling for relevant demographic and behavioral variables. Perceived ideological overlap between incel ideology and white supremacist extremism was included as an exploratory variable to examine participants’ interpretations of extremist associations. Regression analyses indicate that exposure to incel-related content is significantly associated with both higher perceived risk and increased safety-related anxiety. These findings highlight the psychological and perceptual impact of exposure to online misogyny and contribute to understanding how digital environments shape women’s experiences of safety and vulnerability.
Keywords
Incel Ideology; Gender-based Violence; Intersectionality; White Supremacist Extremism
Disciplines
Criminal Law | Criminology | Criminology and Criminal Justice | Gender and Sexuality | Politics and Social Change | Race and Ethnicity | Social Justice
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Bledsoe, Deja, "WOMEN’S EXPOSURE TO INCEL CONTENT, PERCEIVED SAFETY, AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE RISK IN THE UNITED STATES" (2026). Criminology & Criminal Justice Theses. 1.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/crcj_theses2/1
Included in
Criminal Law Commons, Criminology Commons, Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social Justice Commons
Comments
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisors, Dr. Fangzhou Wang, Dr. Jaya Davis, and Dr. Christi Gullion, for their guidance, support, and encouragement throughout the development of this thesis. Your mentorship, patience, and valuable insights greatly contributed to both my academic growth and the successful completion of this work.
I am deeply appreciative of the time and dedication you invested in helping me navigate challenges, refine my ideas, and strengthen this research. Your encouragement and belief in my abilities made this journey both meaningful and rewarding.