This report synthesises existing research on the relationship between men, masculinity, and violent extremism, examining how gendered norms and expectations shape pathways into violent extremism. Drawing on a broad body of academic literature, it analyses masculinities across different ideological contexts, including violent Islamist and right-wing extremism.
The analysis demonstrates how violent extremism can function as a space for the performance and restoration of threatened masculinities, where violence is framed as a means of asserting status, belonging, and legitimacy. It highlights the role of misogyny, anti-feminism, and rigid gender norms in sustaining extremist narratives and practices, while also identifying structural factors that link gendered grievance to broader social and political exclusion.
The report concludes by arguing that prevention efforts should engage more directly with masculinities and gender norms, suggesting that gender-transformative approaches used to prevent violence against women may also contribute to the prevention of violent extremism.