537. Breaking Down Feminism: A Critique of The Movement's Impact on Women feat. Carrie Gress
May 7, 2025
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Carrie Gress, a fellow at the Ethics & Public Policy Center and author of 'The End of Woman', discusses the lasting impacts of feminism on modern women. She challenges the notion of autonomy championed by feminists, arguing it diminishes the importance of motherhood and family. Gress traces the historical roots of feminist movements and critiques their alignment with socialist ideals, revealing how these have shaped societal issues like mental health and women's identities today. Her insights spark a reconsideration of the narratives surrounding womanhood.
The podcast critiques feminism's focus on autonomy, arguing it has undermined motherhood and women’s happiness in modern society.
Carrie Gress discusses how the feminist movement has propagated unrealistic expectations, overshadowing the unique virtues connected to femininity.
The conversation emphasizes the undervaluation of domestic roles, asserting that caregiving and nurturing should be recognized as essential societal contributions.
Deep dives
Critique of Feminism's Impact on Women
The discussion highlights the argument that feminism, particularly since the 19th century, has paradoxically undermined the well-being of women rather than enhancing it. It argues that the feminist movement has idolized autonomy and independence, suggesting that true happiness lies in severing ties to family and motherhood. This perspective contrasts with the assertion that women flourish within familial structures, highlighting a cultural misconception that rejects traditional roles. The speaker reflects on personal experiences and observations, asserting that many women today report feelings of unfulfillment and brokenness that challenge the narrative that feminism has universally benefited women.
The Erosion of Gender Differences
The conversation examines the erasure of distinct virtues associated with femininity and masculinity, suggesting that the idealization of equality has led to unrealistic expectations for women. The argument posits that feminism has propagated a misleading belief that the 'good life' should mirror masculine experiences, denying women their unique identities and strengths. By attempting to mimic men’s societal roles, women may overlook deeper, more fulfilling aspects of their existence, such as motherhood. This distortion, the speaker notes, diminishes the societal value placed on motherhood, which is often viewed through a lens of drudgery rather than the rich, nurturing experience it can offer.
Feminism and Women's Happiness
Studies mentioned in the discussion show a troubling correlation between feminist advancements and declining happiness among women, pointing to increasing rates of mental health issues and isolation. The speaker emphasizes that the very metrics used to measure women's happiness indicate a sense of dissatisfaction, contradicting the narrative that feminism has resolved women's struggles. The focus on career success and independence is presented as a shallow substitution for deeper relational fulfillment. The speaker underscores the importance of redefining success, suggesting that many women desire not just career fulfillment but meaningful relationships and community connections.
The Underappreciation of Domestic Work
The episode discusses the societal undervaluation of domestic labor, highlighting how traditional homemaking roles have been dismissed as secondary or unworthy. It argues that this perception serves economic interests by pushing women into the workforce while decrying the significance of their roles at home. The speaker points out that feminism has, at times, aligned with ideologies that neglect the profound impact of caregiving and nurturing in families. A re-emphasis on the importance of domestic roles and their intrinsic value may help counteract the current undervaluation and instill a greater appreciation for the contributions of women in the home.
Reevaluating Feminism and its Legacy
The discussion calls for a critical reevaluation of feminism's historical figures and ideologies, suggesting that many influential feminists reflected personal traumas rather than embodying the aspirations of the average woman. The speaker suggests that contemporary feminism needs clarity and a grounding in realities that resonate genuinely with women today. This involves recognizing motherhood not merely as a biological role but as a valuable societal function filled with opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment. The conversation encourages an exploration of alternative narratives that celebrate and elevate women's contributions beyond the confines of traditional feminist doctrine.
What are the consequences of feminist ideals on modern women? How have they affected the work-life balance, the denigration of motherhood, and the quest for female autonomy?
Carrie Gress is a fellow at the Ethics & Public Policy Center and at Catholic University. She is also the author of several books. Her latest is titled, The End of Woman: How Smashing the Patriarchy Has Destroyed Us.
Greg and Carrie discuss her latest book, where she argues that feminism has been detrimental to women's happiness and societal roles. Carrie explores the historical roots of feminism dating back to the French Revolution, and cites key figures such as Mary Wollstonecraft and the people around her. Carrie critiques the feminist movement’s focus on autonomy, notes its influence from communism and socialism, and laments its impact on modern societal issues, including motherhood, family dynamics, and mental health.
*unSILOed Podcast is produced by University FM.*
Episode Quotes:
What feminism forgot about motherhood
16:41: I think the problems really get bigger. The more you start seeing how it's not just about women going to work, but it's really an ideology that we've been fed over and over again, and told that this is really the route to happiness. Meanwhile, something like motherhood is denigrated, even though, you know, there's so much personal growth that happens from motherhood. There's so much growth in terms of just maturing. And I think that's one of the great things about motherhood — it just pulls you out of yourself. And that's what people are resistant to — you don't wanna see how impatient you are. You don't wanna see your limits. And that's what motherhood pushes you to, so that you have to surpass them and become better than what you were before. And there's nobody to take over for you at five o'clock. It just keeps going. And I think that the ways in which our virtues are really extended and can grow — but, you know, few people understand and think through that prism when it comes to motherhood.
Home solidifies who you are
20:26: Home isn't meant to just be a hotel where you check in at night, but it's meant to be a place where you really solidify who you are. You learn your gifts; you learn your connection to family. And in that rootedness, then you can go out into the world and be something.
What really is feminism?
03:51: Feminism is a way to protect ourselves against things, instead of really opening ourselves up to something more beautiful, which comes about within the family, within having children, within the home — which is not to say that women shouldn't work. I'm obviously a working mom, but I think it has to be balanced with understanding who we are. And instead of rejecting something, it's really going back to embracing ourselves — the life of womanhood as a mother and wife, and caring for others.
