What is anti-feminism?

Feminism is the fight for equal rights and opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender. Anti-feminism tries to weaken this fight. This is often done by supporting traditional gender roles or spreading misinformation about women and girls’ rights. This rise of anti-feminism puts years of progress on gender equality at risk.
 

What does anti-feminism mean today?

In today’s world, anti-feminism means opposing or rejecting women’s rights. It pushes back against feminism and often strongly criticises it. Its goal is to block or cancel laws that support things like equal pay and reproductive rights.

Anti-feminist ideas spread online, in the media, and through political groups. Feminism is often framed as a threat to "traditional values" or to men's status in society. It’s about keeping men in power and limiting opportunities for women and girls.
 

The roots of anti-feminist movements

Anti-feminist movements have deep historical, cultural, and political roots. In 1908, the Women’s National Anti-Suffrage League was founded in the UK. Its aim was to fight against women’s voting rights and support traditional roles at home.

Religious groups, like the Catholic Church, have shaped anti-feminist views. They are against abortion and policies that promote equality. Conservative and populist movements often resist feminism. They see it as a danger to traditional values and men's status, and backlash happens when women’s rights grow. These movements often portray men as sidelined. They suggest that efforts for equality go too far.

Today, anti-feminist ideas spread at a rapid pace online. Especially on social media. Campaigns like Women Against Feminism say sexism isn’t real and that women aren’t oppressed. They argue that feminism is misandrist, meaning it hates men. They claim feminism hurts women's ability to speak and act for themselves.
 

Common anti-feminism arguments and narratives

Common anti-feminist arguments include:

• Feminism is no longer needed - suggesting that women already have equality.
• Feminism unfairly advantages women at men’s expense - framing men as the oppressed.
• Feminism is radical or threatening to family, religion, and social order. Policies like equal pay, reproductive rights, and parental leave challenge ‘traditional values’.

These arguments try to maintain male dominance. They weaken feminist goals and ignore voices supporting equality. They resist changes for social, political, and economic equality.  
 

Is there a difference between anti-feminism and anti-rights?

Anti-feminism is the opposition to feminism. It denies equal rights for girls and women in all their diversity. It often makes it hard to improve girls' and women's autonomy, representation, and access to opportunities.

Anti-rights, on the other hand, is a broader term. It refers to a global movement that aims to remove or block human rights, including gender equality. The movement is made up of governments, organisations, and informal groups. They attack the rights of marginalised groups, including women, girls, LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse people. They do this by blocking progress on things like bodily autonomy and gender-based violence. As well as education, economic opportunities, and the freedom to fully participate in life.

Anti-feminism focuses on gender-specific issues. But it is strongly rooted in the wider anti-rights movement. Both aim to restrict people's rights and concentrate power among a few. They often use similar narratives and tactics.

Why anti-feminism still exists

Anti-feminism still exists today. Anti-feminist actors are working together to slow down progress on gender equality. They are powerful figures who shape politics and society, including faith. Anti-feminism is fuelled by influencers who spread mis/disinformation online. Equality has progressed in terms of law and policies, but some people think that these gains hurt men's status. And that they weaken family structures and cultural values.

Anti-feminist movements and influencers tap into these fears. They argue that feminism is too much or not needed. They also portray men as the more disadvantaged sex. Online platforms help to amplify these messages. They fuel resistance to gender equality. Anti-feminism arises when changes in power threaten men’s patriarchal interests and privileges. 
 

Political and cultural backlash against gender equality

Around the world, there are many examples of political and cultural backlash against gender equality.

Several states in the US have banned or limited access to legal abortions following the Supreme Court’s decision to repeal Roe v. Wade in 2021. This limits women's and girls' access to their sexual and reproductive health rights.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban have banned teenage girls and women from taking part in many aspects of daily life. This includes going to secondary school or university and working in most jobs. Even their freedom of movement outside the home has been limited.
 

The link between economic inequality and anti-feminist attitudes

When times are tough, some men see women’s progress as a threat. As more women and girls enter schools, jobs, and leadership roles, some men might see them as competition for work, pay, or status.

Anti-feminist voices often twist this into a message that equality is somehow unfair to men. They blame women for economic and social hardship. In unequal societies these views spread even faster. Traditional gender roles and male dominance are shown as the “safe” or “stable” choice. When men feel insecure about their own futures, they may fear losing the privileges they’ve had. Anti-feminist groups use these fears to urge men to oppose gender equality.

Anti-feminism among Gen Z

A global survey by Ipsos and King’s College London found that Gen Z men think feminism causes more harm than good [1].

Approximately 16% of Gen Z men held this view, compared to 13% of men over 60. Additionally, one in four young men felt it is harder to be a man than a woman. 37% considered the term "toxic masculinity" unhelpful.

These findings show that young men are embracing anti-feminist views more and more. This trend may be driven by social media, changing gender norms, and feelings of male disadvantage. To change these attitudes, we need focused efforts. We should support gender equality. We should challenge misconceptions about feminism.
 

The global face of anti-feminism

The global face of anti-feminism varies by context. But it often shares a common goal: to maintain power structures that benefit men and boys.

Globally, anti-feminism shows itself in politics, media and pop culture, religion and cultural institutions. It is also evident in digital communities and online spaces. 
 

The manosphere and online misogyny

The manosphere is an ecosystem of online communities and groups that spread harmful views about gender, masculinity, and women. These groups are echo-chambers where men claim to be oppressed.

The manosphere spreads online misogyny. This means showing hatred, hostility, or discrimination towards women and girls on the internet. It can take many forms, including harassment, threats, and doxxing. As well as trolling, sexist memes, and abusive comments on social media, forums, or gaming platforms.

Online misogyny often targets women who speak out. It focuses on those who challenge traditional gender roles. Or women who join traditionally male-dominated spaces. By intimidating women, online misogyny reinforces real-world gender inequality. It makes harmful stereotypes seem normal and discourages women and girls from joining in online. Virtual spaces become safe and unequal as a result.
 

The impact on girls’ rights and gender equality

Anti-feminism claims that men should have more power and control in society. It works to limit girls’ rights and opportunities. For girls, this can lead to fewer chances for education, jobs, and leadership roles. It also adds more pressure to stick to traditional gender roles. This creates inequality. It makes it harder for girls to have the same freedom, safety, and respect as boys.

How anti-feminism affects opportunities for girls

Anti-feminism supports traditional gender roles. It pressures girls to focus on caregiving and home duties instead of careers or education. Policies shaped by anti-feminist views can limit sexual and reproductive health and rights. They may also weaken workplace protections for women. Or cut funding for programmes that help girls succeed.

Anti-feminist messages can harm girls’ confidence. They can also dampen ambition and make discrimination or harassment seem normal. Anti-feminism helps men stay in power. This makes it tough for girls to reach their full potential in school, work, and public life. 

The role of anti-feminist narratives in limiting girls’ rights

Anti-feminist narratives harm gender equality. They push the idea that girls and women should stick to traditional gender roles, like focusing on the home and family. This makes it normal to deny girls equal education, job opportunities, or leadership roles. While feminists fight for fairness, anti-feminists dismiss or attack it. This makes it harder for girls to speak up, be heard, and claim their rights.

The influence of online spaces and social media on girls

Online spaces and social media can affect girls in both good and bad ways. One positive impact is that they can empower girls. This is by providing access to feminist ideas and support networks. They can also show role models that may not be available in their communities.

On the downside, these spaces can expose girls to misinformation. They might see wrong details about their health, bodies, and rights. As well as anti-feminist views, subtle stereotypes, or open misogyny. As a result, girls might feel pressured to conform to traditional roles. They might silence their voices. It could impact their self-esteem and safety. Digital platforms have the power to both advance and limit gender equality for girls.

How we can respond and create change

There are many ways we can respond to anti-feminism and create change.

• Promote education about gender norms. Teach girls and boys at school and home to question stereotypes. Help them understand gender equality and spot misinformation. Encourage them to challenge it if it is safe.
• Support feminist voices. Amplify women and girls online and offline. This way, their views are heard and validated.
• Engage allies: involve men and boys in gender equality efforts. Work with religious and community groups to support progress for girls. Show the world that feminism benefits everyone.
• Strengthen laws and policies. Campaign for equal rights in education, work, health, and safety. Hold governments accountable. Regulate online platforms and social media. This will help cut down on misinformation and harmful content.
• Celebrate progress. Share positive stories of change. This counters views that see feminism as extreme or unnecessary.

How you can support challenging anti-feminism

Everyone has a role to play in challenging anti-feminism. Start by talking openly about gender norms with children. Encourage both boys and girls to question stereotypes. Help them recognise what equality looks like and how to spot misinformation.

Your support matters. You can amplify feminist voices by making sure women and girls are heard online and offline. That means in your homes, schools, communities, workplaces and more. Invite men and boys to join the conversation and show that equality benefits everyone.

Your advocacy is also key. Push for stronger laws and policies that protect equal rights in education, work, health, and safety, and hold governments accountable.

Finally, remember to celebrate progress. Share positive stories of change to challenge the belief that feminism is extreme or unnecessary. Success is a powerful tool.
 

References

[1] Kings College London - Emerging tensions? How younger generations are dividing on masculinity and gender equality