Feminism Isn’t Dead: How Progress Continues Despite Setbacks | Rebecca Solnit

The narrative that feminism is somehow “over” – or has failed – flares up with predictable regularity. Often, these pronouncements are triggered by specific events, but they rest on a flawed premise: that a complex, centuries-long struggle for equality can be neatly assessed and declared either victorious or defeated. In reality, dismantling millennia of ingrained patriarchy within legal systems, cultural norms, and economic structures isn’t something achievable within a single lifetime, or even a few.

Recent events frequently cited as evidence of feminism’s demise – the overturning of Roe v Wade in the United States, the #MeToo movement, and revelations from the Epstein files – are often taken as isolated indicators, overlooking both the broader global context and the incremental nature of social change. Focusing solely on the US, for example, ignores the progress made in other parts of the world. As the Center for Reproductive Rights reports, while the US has narrowed abortion access, 60 countries have expanded it in the last 30 years.

The Incremental Nature of Change

The idea that #MeToo should have eradicated sexual abuse entirely, and its failure to do so signifies its failure as a movement, is a particularly unrealistic standard. It’s a metric no other human rights movement would be subjected to. Did anyone expect the civil rights movement to instantly eliminate all racism? The focus should be on the progress made, not the unattainable ideal of perfection. #MeToo didn’t emerge in a vacuum; it was the culmination of years of feminist activism and discourse that broadened public understanding of gender violence, challenging long-held stereotypes that often blamed victims. This shift in public awareness created space for stories like those involving Harvey Weinstein to be published, and for accountability to begin.

The impact of #MeToo extends beyond high-profile cases. According to a talk at the Practising Law Institute, just six years after the 2017 surge of the movement, 70 workplace anti-harassment laws were passed in 40 US states, with over 3,000 pieces of legislation introduced overall. A 2021 nationwide law ended forced arbitration of sexual assault and harassment claims, granting victims the right to pursue cases in court. These legislative changes, while often complex and incremental, represent tangible progress that frequently goes unnoticed because it doesn’t generate sensational headlines.

Beyond Prosecution: The Invisible Victories

Often, the most significant impact of movements like #MeToo is what doesn’t happen. Similar to environmental victories where success is measured by preventing a river from being dammed or a forest from being cut down, the true impact of #MeToo may lie in the crimes that were prevented because potential perpetrators were deterred by the increased risk of exposure and accountability. The imprisonment of figures like Harvey Weinstein, Danny Masterson, R. Kelly, and Sean Combs serves as a warning, signaling a shift in the landscape where abusive behavior is no longer guaranteed to go unpunished. Danny Masterson’s sentencing, for example, demonstrates a willingness to prosecute and punish previously untouchable figures.

The Epstein files, while disturbing, also highlight a shift in accountability. The ongoing release of these files, and the resulting scrutiny of those connected to Epstein, demonstrates a growing willingness to confront elite power structures and hold individuals accountable for their actions. The fact that congressmen Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna led the campaign to release the files, and the increased involvement of men in addressing the issue, suggests a broadening of engagement with feminist concerns. As the article points out, the idea that women can achieve equality without the participation of men is unrealistic.

A Longer View of Progress

Understanding the current state of feminism requires acknowledging how far things have changed. Many older generations remember a time when openly identifying as LGBTQ+ was unthinkable, and when women’s roles were rigidly defined. The increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals in public life – from Elton John to Leo Varadkar – reflects decades of activism and progress. Similarly, the evolution of gender roles within families, with men taking on more childcare responsibilities, represents a significant shift from the traditional “separate spheres” model. A 2025 study shows that while women still do more housework and childcare, the gap is narrowing compared to the 1960s, when women performed seven times more housework and four times more childcare than their husbands.

The overturning of Roe v Wade, while a setback, doesn’t negate the broader trend of expanding reproductive rights globally. It’s crucial to view this event within a larger historical context, recognizing that access to reproductive healthcare has been a long and hard-fought battle. The current situation is not a return to the past, but rather a continuation of the struggle, with ongoing efforts to protect and expand reproductive rights in many states.

Remembering What Was

The treatment of female pop stars like Britney Spears in the early 2000s serves as a stark reminder of how much has changed. The now-infamous interview with Dianne Sawyer, where Spears was berated for her personal life, exemplifies the slut-shaming and double standards that were commonplace at the time. This historical context is essential for appreciating the progress that has been made, and for recognizing the ongoing require to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviors.

The key takeaway is that the fight for equality is far from over, but it’s also not a lost cause. The narrative of feminism’s death is premature and misleading. The changes that have been achieved over the past 50 or 60 years are profound, and it’s crucial to remember them as we continue to push for a more just and equitable world. Don’t stop now.

Looking ahead, continued vigilance and advocacy are essential. The backlash against feminist gains is real, and it’s important to challenge the ideologies that seek to undermine equality. This includes addressing the harmful influence of the manosphere and promoting a more inclusive and equitable vision of masculinity. The ongoing struggle requires remembering the past, acknowledging the present, and working towards a future where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive.