The discussion surrounding women in the workplace and the implications of feminism has gained attention recently, particularly in conservative media. A notable case is a podcast episode by Ross Douthat, published on the New York Times’ homepage, which featured critics of liberal feminism discussing its impact on the workplace. The original title, “Did Women Ruin the Workplace?” was later revised to “Did Liberal Feminism Ruin the Workplace?” The conversation included critiques asserting that the presence of women in institutions correlates with a rise in what they term “wokeness,” which they attribute to feminine traits.
Participants in the podcast, such as Helen Andrews, expressed that liberal feminism has marginalized traditional masculine virtues in professional settings. They suggested that socio-cultural shifts, including the #MeToo movement and perceived biases in institutions, have negatively affected men. In response, Leah Libresco Sargeant attempted to provide a counterbalance to some of these views but was largely outnumbered in the dialogue.
This discourse arises against a backdrop of significant gender-related issues globally. Recently, in Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum experienced public harassment, raising questions about the treatment of women in power. Additionally, in the United States, the gender pay gap has reportedly widened, highlighting ongoing disparities in workplace equity. Critics argue that framing discussions about feminism in a negative light could overshadow the realities women face, such as increased violence and systemic inequalities.
Moreover, as conservative narratives gain traction in mainstream media, many are questioning whether these portrayals contribute to a misunderstanding of feminism’s role in addressing gender inequality. The broad implications of these narratives warrant examination, particularly as they intersect with real-world statistics and experiences affecting women today.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/nov/08/workplace-feminized-office-wokeness