Sexist Discourses Against Women Rising in US Surveys

“A patriarchal society creates an inherently unsafe and harmful environment for women who do not follow the rules and for those who do not conform to strict gender and sexuality norms. “While this inequality of power is often perceived to primarily benefit men, it also poses hidden risks to their psychological health,” says leading consultant psychiatrist Dr. Saurabhi Mitra.

Social media has always been a double-edged sword, empowering both progressive movements and reactionary ideologies. Following the polls in the US, there was an increase in ugly posts and comments that demean women, reinforce outdated gender roles, and trivialize struggles for equality. The phrases used by trolls reflect greater social resistance to women’s empowerment. They are designed to provoke, belittle and silence women, reinforcing the patriarchal mindset that continues to resist change.

“The term patriarchy often refers to male dominance in general; another interpretation sees it literally as ‘the rule of the father’. Some people believe that patriarchy refers not only to the power of men over women, but also to older men’s expression of power over women, children, and young men based on age as well as gender. In such cases, the government’s operations are often carried out unconsciously,” says Dr. Mitra.

All are subjects, even fathers are subject to its restrictions. It is represented in unspoken customs and traditions carried out in daily behavior, customs and habits. “The triangular relationship between a father, a mother, and the inheriting eldest son often constitutes the dynamic and emotional narratives of popular culture and is performatively enacted in dating and marriage rituals,” explains Dr. Mitra. Mitra.

Survey Fee

The rise in sexist rhetoric can be traced back to deep-seated divisions exacerbated by contentious political climates. Elections and their results often serve as a flashpoint for gender debates, where issues such as reproductive rights, equal pay and women’s political representation come under the spotlight.

The owner of Les Concierges, Dr. Dipali Sikand feels that institutional responses to women’s rights in India often fail to address the root causes of inequality. While there has been greater focus on women as a separate constituency in recent years, this has not translated into tangible security, opportunity or empowerment for many. “Violence against women remains a significant problem; cases of sexual violence and systemic delays in justice point to a lack of accountability at many levels,” says Dr Sikand.

Political polarization

In highly polarized environments, progress on these fronts often triggers backlash, as individuals and groups with opposing views seize the opportunity to reassert traditionalist ideologies. This post-election surge in misogyny is emblematic of a broader trend in which political outcomes become catalysts for cultural decline.

The #MeToo movement has shaken many men. For perhaps the first time in labor history, #MeToo has put abusive men under the scanner. “The backlash combined with already established movements like the Pro-Life movements and the Republican party’s conservative stance on women has led to all of this,” says Kajal Iyer, a freelance media professional.

Although the current increase in sexist rhetoric is most evident in the United States, its consequences are far-reaching. “The current scenario in the US causes young girls to grow up accustomed to this behavior. They will find husbands who look exactly like their fathers who will boss them around. They will teach their daughters to listen to their fathers and brothers because they are ‘men’. This creates a cycle of sexism and misogyny that is very difficult to break,” says Andrea Martinez, a US student.

In an interconnected world, cultural and political changes in one region can influence attitudes and behavior worldwide. Because social media platforms are global, they act as conduits for these ideologies, allowing them to spread rapidly across borders.

A Worrying Trend

“The USA is one of the superpowers and currently President Trump is voicing the rhetoric of ‘women should only be housewives’, ‘women should go back to the kitchen’, ‘women’s reproductive rights are men’s choice’, ‘women’. Statements like ‘cannot have an abortion at any stage of pregnancy, it’s not their right’, ‘your uterus, my opinion’, ‘feminism is a myth and is corrupting society and our culture’ may affect many people in America, but also all over the world, because the US is other “It also imposes many political policies in countries,” says Dr. Mitra.

This phenomenon poses a significant challenge to the global fight for gender equality. In societies where women’s rights are already fragile, the normalization of such discourse could embolden reactionary forces and halt progress.

Psychological Toll

Beyond its social impact, the increase in sexist discourse also carries profound psychological consequences for women. Constant exposure to derogatory language and derogatory narratives can erode self-esteem, perpetuate feelings of insecurity, and contribute to mental health problems.

“There are also influencers in the West who now fall into the Traditional Wives category. This is a way to make traditional female roles seem appealing. The women in these videos are all slim and beautiful, they cook a 7-course meal from scratch, and they don’t have a job (Instagram or TikTok are their jobs, most of them escape). It’s easier to say ‘Back in the Kitchen’ when there are women actively selling this lifestyle,” says Iyer.

This chilling effect is particularly troubling in a world where digital platforms are increasingly central to activism, professional networking, and community building. Pushing women out of these areas both silences individual voices and weakens collective efforts.

Call to Action

The rise in sexist rhetoric underscores the urgent need for a multifaceted response. Social media platforms need to take stronger measures to block harmful content by using improved algorithms and stricter enforcement of community guidelines.

Governments and organizations should also prioritize educational campaigns that challenge misogynistic attitudes and promote gender equality. “Sexual violence affects individuals of all genders, but the number of female victims is much higher than that of men. Additionally, the fact that the majority of perpetrators are men further reinforces the basic definition of patriarchy as a system of domination underpinned by aggression and violence,” says Dr. Mitra.

Studies have shown that “social media use may be linked to negative mental health effects such as suicidal thoughts, feelings of loneliness, and decreased empathy.” “With social media, individuals are becoming increasingly sensitive to the negative effects of patriarchy on their mental health. People from other countries also tend to see/read/listen to Trump’s narrative and may think it’s true. The internet has facilitated the spread of gender-based discrimination, reinforced patriarchal norms and pervaded negative representations of women,” says Dr Mitra.

Support systems, both online and offline, can play an important role in mitigating the impact of sexist discourse and ensuring that women continue to participate and thrive in digital spaces.

Backlash against women’s empowerment underscores the existence of deep-seated prejudices. This moment calls for renewed vigilance, solidarity and action to preserve the gains of the past and pave the way for a more equitable future.