Works in Progress Podcast Why feminism worked best in the West with Alice Evans
Sep 10, 2025
Alice Evans, a social scientist at King's College London and writer of 'The Great Gender Divergence,' discusses the unique success of Western feminism compared to East Asia's movements. They explore how dating markets and traditional values affect gender dynamics and marriage roles. Evans critiques family policies like baby bonuses and the need for joint tax filing to support changing family structures. The conversation also delves into workplace culture, advocating for inclusivity and alternative bonding practices beyond alcohol, showcasing the complexities of modern parenting and social norms.
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Growth Enables Gender Change When Culture Allows
- Economic growth expands women's opportunities by creating demand for labor and schooling investments.
- Cultural norms mediate whether those opportunities translate into large-scale gender change.
Digital Feminism Meets Collective Harmony
- Online feminist spaces in East Asia let women show alternatives and build solidarity despite state censorship.
- Collective-harmony norms make public assertion harder, shaping a different reception of feminist activism.
Interview: 'Are You A Feminist?' Reaction
- A South Korean professional told Alice she disliked feminists because they were 'too outspoken' while still recounting workplace discrimination stories.
- The reaction shows how norms against assertion suppress public feminist identification despite widespread grievances.
