Image credit – Miguel Viedma via Pinterest
Both genders are now working together
The feminist and masculine movements have long been a defining force in shaping modern society. From the early struggles of the 1960s, when women fought tirelessly for the right to vote and to be recognised as equal citizens, through to the campaigns of the 2010s aimed at breaking the glass ceiling, feminism has consistently sought to empower women and challenge inequality. At its core, the movement has always been about fairness, opportunity, and dignity, goals that remain both valid and necessary. There is nothing inherently wrong with feminism when it advocates for equal rights and fair treatment, and its historical contributions should never be understated.
However, as with many movements that gain widespread traction, feminism has evolved in ways that have not always been constructive. In more recent years, particularly during the latter half of the 2010s, the rise of social media dramatically altered how feminist ideas were shared and understood. Platforms designed for connection and discussion became echo chambers, where louder voices often overshadowed more thoughtful ones. A new wave of online activism emerged, driven largely by young social media personalities who equated empowerment with entitlement and visibility with validity.
In this space, feminism at times began to lose its original grounding. The argument that men and women are entirely the same gained popularity, often stripped of nuance or biological reality. While men and women deserve equal respect, opportunity, and protection under the law, it is undeniable that biological differences exist. Acknowledging these differences does not weaken the argument for equality; rather, it strengthens it by allowing society to create fair and realistic systems that work for everyone. Equality does not mean uniformity, and pretending otherwise risks undermining genuine progress.
The workplace remains one of the clearest examples of where feminism still matters. Women continue to face barriers to advancement, from pay disparities to underrepresentation in leadership roles. Addressing these issues is essential if the glass ceiling is ever to be fully dismantled. Yet progress is most effective when it is collaborative rather than confrontational, when both men and women recognise their shared responsibility in building fair working environments.
Interestingly, as society continues to evolve, there has been a noticeable shift away from the more extreme interpretations of feminist and masculine identities. Traditional ideas, such as women belonging solely in the home or men carrying all financial responsibility, are increasingly being challenged from both sides. Many men now reject outdated notions of dominance, while many women embrace partnership and shared responsibility rather than rigid independence. This shift reflects a broader cultural maturity, one that values cooperation over competition.
At the same time, the once-loud online movements built around hyper-feminism or hyper-masculinity appear to be losing their influence. Concepts such as the “red pill” mentality or “passport bros” have failed to resonate with most people in the long term because they are rooted in unrealistic and often divisive worldviews. Social media trends may come and go, but real life operates on compromise, empathy, and mutual respect.
Ultimately, healthy relationships, whether romantic, professional, or social, are not about one gender asserting dominance over the other. They are about balance. They are about two people working together, supporting one another, and recognising that equality does not mean sameness, nor does it require competition. The fading of performative feminism and performative masculinity may well signal a positive step forward: a return to authenticity, realism, and mutual understanding.
In this sense, feminism is not disappearing; it is maturing. And perhaps that is exactly what society needs.
