The “Womanosphere”: Anti-Feminist Media’s Rise

A new wave of conservative media, dubbed the “womanosphere,” is gaining traction by promoting traditional gender roles and right-wing ideologies to young women. Personalities like Brett Cooper and outlets such as Evie magazine are key players in this trend.

Redefining Femininity: Thin, Fertile, and Republican

These platforms present an alternative to mainstream feminism, often criticizing “wokeness” and advocating for a return to traditional values. They emphasize the importance of women as homemakers and mothers, while men are seen as providers.

Brett Cooper, a popular YouTube commentator, exemplifies this approach. Her videos critique feminist viewpoints and promote a gender-essentialist worldview. Cooper’s channel experienced rapid growth, attracting a significant female audience.

The “Manosphere” Playbook: Targeting Young Women

Drawing parallels to the “manosphere,” which influenced male voters in past elections, the “womanosphere” aims to sway young women, a demographic traditionally leaning Democratic.

This emerging ecosystem includes platforms like:

• Evie Magazine
• Candace Owens’s Club Candace
• Alex Clark’s Maha (“Make America Healthy Again”)
• Allie Beth Stuckey’s Relatable
• Riley Gaines’s podcast Gaines For Girls

These outlets often repackage conservative messaging in an accessible and relatable way, appealing to young women seeking connection and purpose.

Evie Magazine: A “Conservative Cosmo”

Evie magazine, for example, mimics the style of mainstream women’s magazines while promoting conservative values. It features articles on fashion, beauty, and relationships, but with a traditional, gender-essentialist twist.

The magazine’s content often emphasizes the importance of marriage, motherhood, and traditional femininity. It also critiques body positivity and promotes a narrow definition of beauty.

Beyond Politics: Wellness and Lifestyle

Some “womanosphere” influencers, like Alex Clark, focus on wellness and lifestyle topics. They present a conservative perspective on issues such as health, nutrition, and parenting, attracting an audience seeking alternative viewpoints.

These influencers often tap into genuine anxieties and concerns about modern life, offering a seemingly appealing solution rooted in traditional values and right-wing ideology.

A Threat to Women’s Progress?

Critics argue that the “womanosphere” promotes a retrograde vision that could undermine women’s freedom and economic independence. They warn that this movement could lead to a rollback of reproductive rights and other protections for women.

Emily Amick, a political analyst, believes that the “womanosphere” could have a significant impact on future elections, similar to the influence of the “manosphere” in previous campaigns.

The rise of the “womanosphere” presents a complex challenge. Understanding its appeal and impact is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of gender and politics.