Key facts
- Gloria Steinem, a key figure in the feminist movement, died at 92.
- Steinem's activism centered on reproductive rights as crucial for women's equality.
- The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, ending the constitutional right to abortion.
- Conservative movements are actively promoting traditional gender roles and criticizing feminism's impact on family life.
- Advocates warn that efforts to restrict reproductive rights and demonize feminism aim to disempower women.
Gloria Steinem, a pivotal figure in the feminist movement, passed away at 92, having lived to witness a significant backlash against the ideals she championed. Her activism, deeply rooted in the fight for reproductive rights and women's equality, profoundly shaped American culture, leading to increased female participation in the workforce and legal advancements.
However, Steinem also saw the resurgence of a powerful counter-movement. The Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade eliminated the constitutional right to abortion, with many states subsequently enacting bans. This ruling was celebrated by Christian conservative activists who often blame feminism for societal shifts like declining birthrates and increased divorce rates, while advocating for a return to traditional gender roles.
Conservative groups, including the Heritage Foundation, have actively promoted policies and rhetoric encouraging women to prioritize marriage and childbearing over careers. Reports and analyses from organizations like the Heritage Foundation criticize feminism for allegedly devaluing family and motherhood. Figures like Emma Waters have suggested that embracing traditional roles, such as taking a husband's name and focusing on motherhood, is a countercultural act.
Steinem herself never had children, a choice she stated she did not regret, and remained a staunch advocate for reproductive choice as fundamental to women's empowerment. Her own journey into activism began in her 30s when she shared her experience with a secret abortion at age 22, a time when abortion was largely illegal and women faced significant legal and social barriers.
Compared to the mid-20th century, when fewer than 50% of women were in the labor force and legal protections were minimal, the landscape has drastically changed. Today, a larger percentage of women participate in the workforce, and laws like the Equal Credit Opportunity Act have provided greater financial independence. Despite these advancements, some conservative voices, like Delano Squires, acknowledge the importance of women's rights to property, credit, and work, even while promoting traditional gender roles.
Controversies have also arisen from extreme viewpoints within conservative circles, such as a widely condemned video reposted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggesting women should not be allowed to vote. Scholars like Beth Allison Barr note that for some on the religious right, feminism is seen as directly opposing Christian ideals of family structure, creating a perceived conflict between being a good Christian and a feminist.
Women's advocacy groups, such as the National Women's Law Center, led by CEO Fatima Goss Graves, argue that the curtailment of reproductive rights and the negative characterization of feminism are deliberate attempts to disempower women and restrict their autonomy.