"In the last year, we have witnessed an increase in misogynistic attacks in the media and social media. Misogyny, defined as the hatred of women, embodies a strong degradation of women that shows up in hostile sexism and intimate partner abuse. As therapists, it seems essential, perhaps more than ever, that we need to pay attention to the current impact of misogyny on our female and male clients."
"In December 2024, PBS reported that researchers saw a "stunning surge of misogyny." The report showed a 4600% increase in the terms "Your body, my choice" and "Get back in the kitchen" on various social media platforms. The misogynistic rhetoric first showed up online. Eventually, it could place women at risk for domestic violence, psychological and coercive abuse, harassment, threats of rape, and sexual assault."
"Many ideas circulate about "why" this happened but one that seems central is the outdated traditional concept of manhood. Social expectations have been changing. Masculinity has been defined, in part, as being dominant and in control. Women made significant gains with societal support, and men were experiencing more isolation without their own clear paths forward to help navigate these changes. In the end, women became at risk of being blamed."
Misogyny has surged recently, appearing frequently in media and social media and manifesting as hostile sexism and intimate partner abuse. A 4600% increase was observed in terms like "Your body, my choice" and "Get back in the kitchen" on social platforms. Misogynistic rhetoric originated online and can escalate to domestic violence, coercive psychological abuse, harassment, and sexual assault. Traditional concepts of manhood and changing social expectations have left many men isolated without clear paths forward, contributing to backlash that blames women. Therapists must pay attention to the impact of misogyny on clients and must not remain neutral when misogynistic beliefs appear.
Read at Psychology Today
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