Why MGTOW-Based Gender Studies Classes are Rare in Universities

Within the academic realm of gender studies, exploring niche topics such as MGTOW (Men Going Their Own Way) often falls by the wayside. This article aims to shed light on why MGTOW-based gender studies classes are uncommon in university settings, delving into the reasons behind this phenomenon and discussing the possible future inclusion of such topics.

Understanding the Context of MGTOW

MGTOW refers to the movement of men choosing to avoid relationships and instead live their lives according to their personal standards, values, and desires. While this community has gained some attention online, it remains largely peripheral to mainstream academia. Here, we explore the reasons why MGTOW has not yet found its place in university classrooms.

Insufficient Material and Niche Interest

1. Insufficient Material to Warrant a Full Course: One of the primary reasons for the absence of MGTOW-based gender studies classes in universities is the lack of substantial material. MGTOW is a relatively small and niche community, and the body of literature surrounding it is not extensive enough to support a dedicated course. Therefore, it would not be feasible to allocate class time and resources to this topic.

2. Inclusion in Existing Fields: It is more likely that MGTOW perspectives will be covered as a part of broader social studies disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, and women's studies. For instance, discussions on MGTOW could be tangentially included in explorations of changing family structures, masculinity, or online communities. In these contexts, MGTOW could be presented as a small but interesting case study rather than the central theme.

Academic Focus and Objectivity

1. Academic Integrity and Objectivity: University courses, particularly in the social sciences, are designed to provide objective analysis rather than advocacy for specific causes. Teaching MGTOW principles would require a significant amount of research and a broad understanding of the movement, which goes beyond the scope of most academic programs. Therefore, MGTOW-based courses would likely be limited to brief mentions or analyses in larger, more comprehensive courses on gender studies or sociology.

2. The Nature of Academic Discourse: Gender studies and related fields aim to critically engage with diverse perspectives and social issues. The inclusion of MGTOW in a course would likely be to explore the social, cultural, and psychological phenomena driving the movement, rather than to promote or vilify it. This is consistent with the academic tradition of analyzing social movements and their effects on society.

Rare Specialization and Research Requirements

1. Lack of Specialized Professors: Currently, there are few university professors specialized in MGTOW, which further inhibits the possibility of dedicated courses. A well-researched and comprehensive course on MGTOW would require an expert with several years of study and experience in the field. This specialized knowledge is not readily available in most academic institutions.

2. Time and Resources: Creating a new course requires significant investment in terms of time, resources, and faculty. Universities often prioritize courses and topics that have a broader impact and can accommodate a larger student base. While MGTOW is a valid topic for academic inquiry, its niche nature makes it challenging to justify the resources required for a dedicated course.

Future Prospects for MGTOW in Academia

As the MGTOW community continues to grow and its perspectives gain more public attention, there is a potential for more comprehensive coverage in university settings. However, this would require significant developments in the field, including:

1. Increase in Scholarly Research: More comprehensive and detailed research on MGTOW could lead to a larger body of work suitable for academic inclusion. This would make it easier to justify the creation of specialized courses.

2. Academic Interest and Dialogue: As discussions about MGTOW continue to evolve and gain traction in public discourse, university departments may become more amenable to integrating such topics within their existing curricula. This could involve more in-depth explorations in courses on online communities, gender, and sociological change.

While MGTOW-based gender studies classes are currently rare in universities, the potential for their inclusion grows as the movement gains greater visibility and academic interest.