Nearly half of young men support Andrew Tate, warns Dame Sara Khan

In the UK, a troubling trend has emerged among young men showing increasing support for controversial figures like Andrew Tate. Reports indicate that nearly half of young men view Tate positively, which raises concerns about the influence of misogynistic ideologies. Dame Sara Khan, the former counter-extremism tsar for the government, published a review that uncovered evidence suggesting that this growing admiration for Tate is contributing to a larger pattern of extremist beliefs among young men. The report highlights that many young men, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, are drawn into the ‘manosphere’—a loose network of online communities that promote anti-woke culture and encourage extreme attitudes towards women. Given the socio-economic context in areas like Luton, where poverty rates are high among minority communities, young males are facing increasing feelings of disempowerment. This environment, coupled with the stigma surrounding mental health discussions, has made them susceptible to embracing the narratives presented by influencers like Tate. Tate himself is a local figure in Luton, having grown up in the area, which only amplifies his appeal to local youths. His messaging, characterized by wealth flaunting and notions of success through individualism, resonates with those grappling with feelings of inadequacy stemming from socio-economic challenges. The sense of community and traditional support systems has declined over the years, as youth clubs and public spaces diminish, leaving social media platforms as a primary source of connection and influence for many young people. Furthermore, the report by Khan draws alarming correlations between the rise of involuntary celibacy ideologies, commonly referred to as ‘incel’ culture, and a spike in misogynistic attitudes and actions in the UK. The Prevent Programme, designed to combat extremism, has responded to these growing concerns with over 77 referrals related to incel ideologies within a year, signaling urgent attention to this emerging threat. The implications of such trends extend to political realms as well, with a potential impact on voting patterns and the ability of political institutions to address the needs of these young men effectively.