antifeminist

Antifeminist is a label used to describe individuals, groups, or currents that oppose feminism or oppose certain feminist aims. The term is commonly applied to organized movements, such as some men’s rights or religious conservative groups, as well as to individuals who criticize feminist theory, strategy, or outcomes. Definitions vary, with some using antifeminism to denote opposition to feminism as a whole and others to indicate rejection of particular feminist claims or policies rather than feminism itself.

Historically, antifeminist sentiment has appeared in parallel to feminist advances, including anti-suffrage campaigns and critiques of women’s roles in family life. In contemporary debates, antifeminist rhetoric is often associated with critiques of gender quotas, reproductive rights restrictions, and the belief that feminism benefits women at the expense of men or families. Online communities and media personalities often frame feminism as a political ideology that seeks to dismantle traditional gender roles.

Scholars and critics argue that antifeminist positions can obscure structural inequalities, essentialize gender, or misrepresent feminist aims. Advocates counter that feminism sometimes neglects men’s issues or favors one group over another, and that antifeminist critiques can highlight legitimate concerns when framed as equal rights rather than opposition to equality. The term remains contested and context-dependent, with varying connotations across cultures and political perspectives.