The ‘Manosphere’ is driving women to divorce, a divorce coach has warned. 

The concept of the ‘Manosphere’ refers to websites, forums and influencers who promote what they view as “traditional” masculinity, where women play a subservient role in any relationship. 

Such views are increasingly common among young men who follow  ‘Manosphere’ influencers on TikTok and Instagram. 

On The Claire Byrne Show, divorce coach Nawal Houghton described the ‘Manosphere’ as “not something new” and “actually quite historical”. 

“If we think about the newer generation, we're sort of seeing manosphere appearing now,” she explained. 

“That impact, I think, will happen later on.

“But certainly, in terms of the clients that are coming to me now, Manosphere has been happening for a while.”

Ms Houghton continued that while her female clients don’t use the term ‘manosphere’, they are clearly highly impacted by it. 

“They use other words such as toxic, high conflict, undermining of my role, lack of respect,” she said. 

“And in more serious cases, we're talking domestic abuse, domestic violence.”

Ms Houghton added that while there is “never a winner or a loser” in divorce, for a man who subscribes to ‘Manosphere’, he must be a winner at all cost - no matter the impact on his former partner and children. 

“We are always trying to get to some place where it's acceptable to both,” she explained. 

“However, in these toxic, high conflict situations, men are driven to demand the win. 

“That's exactly the type of person I'm dealing with, that they must win at all costs. 

“And if that means destroying the female partner, that is absolutely what they will do.”

Ms Houghton noted that a particularly toxic trait is when a man tries to turn his children against their mother, even if that means telling lies about her. 

“We're also seeing parental alienation as a weapon; driving the children against the mother, making children believe that their mother's useless,” she said. 

“And also false allegations, because they believe, to some extent, that maybe the court system will favour women. 

“So, the only way that they can win is to drive this negative narrative about the woman in every way possible.”

If you have been impacted by any of the issues mentioned in this article, you can contact Women’s Aid on Women’s Aid’s National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Main image: A couple holding hands on their wedding day. Picture by: Alamy.com.