Applying a Strained Masculinity Framework to Honor Killings and Incel Murders

Abstract

The current study explores how pursuits of hegemonic masculinity can shape the comparative nature of Gender Based Violence (GBV), specifically incel killings and honor killings, in the United States over the past 30 years. Drawing from Allison and Klein\u27s (2021) strained masculinity framework and employing a homicide narrative approach, a qualitative theme analysis is conducted to determine whether existing thematic categories of strained masculinity determined relevant in prior research also apply to these relatively are forms of deadly GBV. Honor killing data come from Hayes, Freilich & Chermak (2016) and incel killing data come from the Extremist Crime Database (ECDB). This study finds that while existing categories of strained masculinity apply to incel killing and honor killings, how threats to masculinity are perceived by offenders and the circumstances in which they commit homicide are culturally specific