Backlash Against the Movement: 10 Reasons Women are Turning Away from Modern Feminism

The evolution of the feminist movement has been marked by passion, progress, and diverse perspectives. While many champion its ideals, there’s a segment of women who distance themselves from the label “feminist.” Delving into a recent online discussion among women, we unearthed a range of reasons why some choose not to identify with the movement. Their insights offer a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding modern feminism.

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One woman offers her rationale for not calling herself a feminist, writing, “I never put ideological labels on myself because there’s no way I’m agreeing with every single standpoint that comes with an ideology and its branches,” elaborating further with “I value nuance, and I can and do agree with certain feminist perspectives without embracing the ideology as a whole and considering myself a feminist.”

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For women of color (WOC), traditional feminist theories aren’t very inclusive. A woman of mixed Black, Indigenous, and white heritage feels that modern feminism is oriented toward white women. While they hold views that are considered feminist, they refuse to align with a movement that continues to be unwelcoming to their mother, grandmothers, aunties, and sisters.

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One reader decries how feminism somehow morphed into misandry, a philosophy they don’t subscribe to. Their only goal is to be treated like a human, not wish for the destruction of the male gender.

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A stay-at-home mom (SAHM) in the thread is excluded from the feminist movement because it tends to use her lifestyle as an example of what other women shouldn’t be like. This has happened to her, and she doesn’t like being seen as a victim of patriarchy, mainly since she chose to be a SAHM.

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“I support equity, not equality,” writes one woman. “I don’t want to be equal to a man, I will never be equal to a man biologically and socially, and I support women in their choices. I don’t like how other women shame others for what they do or consider them lazy for not choosing to do what others are doing,” she explains.

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Another commenter in the forum laments the negative changes feminism has undergone over the years. She has watched feminists go from having legitimate concerns to being extreme, radical, and toxic—a transition she can’t get behind. The way feminism is delivered today has made her reconsider how much support she can offer without compromising her own beliefs and values.

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Several contributors to the discussion feel they aren’t knowledgeable enough about contemporary feminist writing and thoughts to call themselves feminists. One plainly states, “I don’t feel educated enough to take a stance. I find it overwhelming as I don’t know where to start to learn if this label sits well with me.”

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“As an Afro-Latina and Jamaican American, I don’t want to be around a bunch of women who ignore my issues. I also find that feminism today ignores the huge elephant in the room: white women tend to vote for and agree with policies that adversely impact WOC. When you try to discuss issues impacting us, they are often dismissed,” they assert.

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A self-described equalist states that they would never call themselves a feminist because that means they’re only interested in women’s rights. They go on to say that being an equalist includes advocating for the better treatment of women in traditional men’s roles. It may also mean advocating for more resources for men experiencing domestic abuse at the hands of women.

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The perceived lack of progress from the feminist movement is why an individual in the online group eschews the feminist label. Salaries for women remain lower, the glass ceiling still exists, women are expected to take care of the children and home, and now we’re expected to prove we’re strong and independent by taking on traditionally male tasks. “It’s a no-win situation,” they acknowledge.

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Source: Reddit