Modern Misogyny

1. Modern Misogyny Operates Subtly in a "Post-Feminist" Era

Contrary to the claims of the post-feminist punditry, equality has not been achieved.

Subtle Sexism. Modern misogyny is not the overt, explicit sexism of the past, but a more subtle, insidious form that permeates society. It's characterized by everyday slights, seemingly innocent comments, and overgeneralizations that denigrate women. This "benign" bigotry is often nonconscious and unintentional, making it difficult to identify and address.

Post-feminist Illusion. The idea that feminism is no longer necessary because women have achieved equality is a myth. While women have made progress in some areas, such as education and workforce participation, true equality remains elusive. This "post-feminist" narrative often ignores the persistent gender pay gap, the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, and the continued prevalence of sexual harassment and violence against women.

Need for Revitalization. Modern misogyny requires a revitalization of feminism and a mobilization of a feminist movement. This movement must address the subtle forms of sexism that are often overlooked, challenge the myths that perpetuate gender inequality, and advocate for policies that promote true equality for all women.

2. Consumerism and Individualism Undermine Collective Feminist Action

To this particular incarnation of anti-feminism-fronting-as-feminism, empowerment in the marketplace and in lifestyle choice has replaced the earlier political and intellectual work of feminism.

Neoliberalism's Influence. The rise of neoliberalism, with its emphasis on individualism, consumerism, and personal responsibility, has contributed to the decline of collective feminist action. This ideology encourages women to focus on their private lives and consumer capacities for self-expression and agency, rather than engaging in political activism to address systemic inequalities.

Co-opting Empowerment. Words like "empowerment" and "choice" have been appropriated by consumer culture and deployed in a new guise as a substitute for feminism. Women are encouraged to "empower" themselves through purchasing products and making lifestyle choices, rather than challenging the structures that limit their opportunities.

Dividing Women. The emphasis on consumerism divides women by class and region. If empowerment is measured by purchasing power, those who can afford to consume and those who cannot will find little common ground and solidarity. This makes it difficult to build coalitions between Western women who consume products made in developing countries and the girls and women who make the products that Western women purchase.

3. Post-9/11: A Retreat to Traditional Gender Roles

When the country is under siege and at war, progressive politics and civil rights are rendered capricious luxuries that distract from the constructed core values of male protector and female victim.

Fear and Traditionalism. The terror attacks of September 11, 2001, led to a retreat to traditional gender roles in the United States. In the aftermath of the attacks, there was a renewed emphasis on men as protectors and women as victims, reinforcing patriarchal patterns of male dominance and female dependence.

Media Narratives. The media played a significant role in shaping this narrative, portraying male first responders as heroes and focusing on the grief of widowed women. Women who challenged this script, such as the "Jersey Girls," were marginalized in the press.

Erosion of Rights. The post-9/11 climate also saw a rollback of civil rights and a suppression of dissent. Progressive politics and civil rights were deemed luxuries that distracted from the constructed core values of male protector and female victim. This created an environment in which it was difficult to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for women's equality.

4. The Myth of the Man-Hating Feminist Silences Women

One swims against the feminist tide at one’s peril.

The "Feminist" Trope. A persistent stereotype is that feminists are man-haters. This myth is used to discredit and silence women who speak out against sexism and advocate for gender equality. It suggests that feminists are motivated by a desire to get ahead of men, rather than a genuine concern for justice and equality.

Empirical Evidence. Contrary to popular opinion, systematic research finds that feminists actually hold more positive attitudes toward men than do nonfeminists. Nonfeminists tend to subscribe to traditional gender roles of male power and privilege, yet at the same time they resent men for their power and privilege relative to women.

Silencing Tactic. The feminist-man-hater myth serves to discourage women from identifying as feminists and engaging in feminist activism. It creates a climate of fear and intimidation, in which women are afraid to speak out against sexism for fear of being labeled as angry, bitter, and unfeminine.

5. The "Boy Crisis" Narrative Obscures Male Privilege

This whole sort of war on women thing, I’m scratching my head, because if there was a war on women, I think they won...In fact, I worry about our young men sometimes, because I think the women really are outcompeting men in our world.

The "War on Boys." The "boy crisis" narrative claims that feminism has gone too far and that boys are now being harmed by a society that is biased in favor of girls. This rhetoric often ignores the persistent gender inequalities that continue to disadvantage women and girls.

Misleading Statistics. While it is true that women now outnumber men in college enrollment, this does not mean that boys are being marginalized. Men continue to dominate in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), which lead to higher-paying jobs.

Ignoring Privilege. The "boy crisis" narrative often fails to acknowledge the ways in which male privilege continues to shape boys' and young men's experiences. Boys are socialized to view education as incompatible with masculinity, and they often disengage from school as a way of asserting their dominance and independence.

6. Nontraditional Women Face a Double Bind: Competence vs. Likeability

Women are wonderful, but most are disliked.

The "Women-Are-Wonderful" Effect. While women as a group are often viewed more positively than men, this effect is largely limited to traditional women who adhere to strict gender roles. Nontraditional women, such as professional women, athletes, and feminists, are often disliked and penalized for violating gender expectations.

The Competence/Warmth Tradeoff. Nontraditional women often face a double bind: if they are seen as competent, they are perceived as less warm and likeable; if they are seen as warm, they are perceived as less competent. This makes it difficult for women to succeed in male-dominated fields, as they are often judged according to different standards than men.

Backlash Effects. Women who exhibit agentic traits, such as assertiveness and ambition, often face backlash in the workplace. They may be seen as aggressive, bossy, or unfeminine, and they may be denied opportunities for advancement. This is because their behavior challenges the traditional gender hierarchy and threatens male dominance.

7. Feminist Identity: A Protective Shield for Women's Well-being

Feminism has fought no wars. It has killed no opponents. It has set up no concentration camps, starved no enemies, practiced no cruelties.

Psychological Benefits. A feminist identity can serve as a protective shield for women, buffering them from the negative effects of sexism and promoting their psychological well-being. Studies have shown that feminist identity is associated with higher self-esteem, greater self-efficacy, and a more positive body image.

Challenging Norms. Feminism provides women with a framework for understanding and challenging the harmful cultural messages that promote unrealistic beauty standards and objectify women's bodies. It empowers them to resist these messages and develop a more positive and accepting view of themselves.

Empowerment and Agency. A feminist identity can also empower women to take control of their lives and make choices that are in their best interests. It encourages them to be assertive in their relationships, advocate for their needs, and challenge the structures that limit their opportunities.

8. Women's and Gender Studies Courses: Catalysts for Empowerment

Gaining an understanding of the role these courses play in students’ intellectual and political development will inform larger curricular questions, as well as aid the instructors who teach these courses.

Transformative Education. Women's and gender studies courses can be transformative for students, providing them with a critical understanding of gender, power, and inequality. These courses can help students develop critical thinking skills, challenge their assumptions, and become more aware of the ways in which gender shapes their lives.

Increased Self-Efficacy. Studies have shown that taking women's and gender studies courses can lead to increased self-efficacy, particularly for women. These courses can empower students to believe in their ability to make a difference in the world and to take action to promote social justice.

Activism and Social Change. Women's and gender studies courses can also inspire students to become more engaged in activism and social change. By learning about the history of feminist movements and the ongoing struggles for gender equality, students can develop a sense of purpose and a commitment to creating a more just and equitable world.

Last updated: March 2, 2025