White Picket Fence Sisyphus in a Sundress
Oct 23, 2025
Anne Helen Peterson, a culture writer known for her insights into feminism, and Sophie Lewis, a scholar focused on gender politics, dive deep into the emerging 'womanosphere.' They discuss how nostalgia and social media fuel a retro gender order, exploring concepts like 'tradwife' rhetoric and the exhaustion of modern feminism. The conversation highlights the dangers of turning away from structural issues towards personal solutions, and how these narratives serve broader political aims. Together, they envision ways to counter this cultural trend and reimagine gender roles.
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Viral 'Stay‑At' Social Clips
- Julie and Sophie describe viral "stay-at" girlfriend and wife TikToks that center on serving partners and perfect domestic routines.
- These examples show the aesthetic appeal and the implied gender division beneath the content.
From Collective Feminism To Choice Feminism
- Feminism shifted into a diluted "choice" phase focused on individual gains rather than structural change.
- That shift created a void which reactionary conservative feminism now exploits on social media.
Pandemic Fueled The Womanosphere
- COVID amplified nostalgic domestic content and drove many people online seeking solace and simpler aesthetics.
- The womanosphere transformed that aesthetic into a political pitch promising an exit from burnout.
