Microfeminism: The Next Big Thing in Fighting the Patriarchy

Have you ever addressed female colleagues first in meetings or shut down manspreading on the subway? If so, you’ve engaged in microfeminism—small yet significant actions to uplift women in male-dominated spaces.
Microfeminism: The Next Big Thing in Fighting the Patriarchy - KylaBorg
Flickr, KylaBorg

Everyday Empowerment.

Chaney’s video spurred thousands of responses, with others sharing their microfeminist practices. A preschool worker said, “I always call dads first when kids are sick, and moms for billing questions.” Another wrote, “I put the wife’s name first in real estate contracts. Husbands question it, though it changes nothing in the contract—just their ego.”

These small actions may seem trivial but have significant ripple effects.

"Winks and Nods".

Chaney’s inspiration came from dealing with a difficult male coworker. She wondered if other women noticed her subtle support. The overwhelming response confirmed they did, and many were inspired to find their own ways to uplift women.

“These small acts give people something actionable that doesn’t require marching or drastic gestures but still drives change,” Chaney noted.

Facing Backlash.

Despite positive feedback, Chaney faced online ridicule, mainly from men. Some comments were abusive, criticizing her appearance and even threatening her. This backlash only strengthened her resolve to advocate for feminism more publicly.

“The criticism showed me the need for a loud feminist voice,” Chaney said.

Addressing Everyday Sexism.

Halima Kazem-Stojanovic, Ph.D., from Stanford University, emphasizes the importance of tackling everyday gender biases. Small changes, like avoiding male-centered language, can gradually shift societal norms, benefiting everyone.

“Adjusting these norms has lasting effects on both a conscious and subconscious level,” Kazem-Stojanovic explained.

A Continued Fight.

With the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and subsequent abortion bans, the fight against patriarchy is more crucial than ever. Kazem-Stojanovic finds hope in younger generations embracing microfeminism through social media.

“My teenage daughters engage with microfeminism on TikTok. It’s heartening to see long-held feminist ideals emerge in modern, digestible ways,” she said.

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Alice Walker

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”

Alice Walker

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