Did Feminism Really Ruin Society?

In this week’s episode of The Audaci-Tea Podcast, hosts Lisa and Sovereign take on one of the internet’s favorite anti feminist talking points:

“Did feminism ruin society?”

Together, they break down why the answer is no, and how feminism is often blamed for problems it did not create. From rising living costs to changing relationship dynamics, they unpack the real systemic issues shaping modern life and why women gaining autonomy is treated as the problem instead of the solution.

They explore the history of women’s rights, the mythologized version of the “perfect” nuclear family, and why men’s frustration with changing gender roles is frequently redirected toward feminism instead of the economic and social systems actually responsible. The conversation also dives into women’s growing independence, dual income households, emotional labor, and why equality benefits society as a whole.

This is not about feminism destroying society. It is about patriarchy losing control over women.

But first, in Tea Time, Lisa and Sovereign recap Mother’s Day and the frustrations many mothers expressed this year, react to New York lawmakers fighting to protect abortion pill access, and discuss the broader attacks on reproductive autonomy.

Later, in Tea Or Trash, they debate controversial feminist takes including gatekeeping feminism, terms like “girl boss” and “momtrepreneur,” and whether these labels actually undermine women.

🎧 This episode is a full breakdown of the backlash against feminism and why women’s freedom is not the reason society is struggling.

🎙️ Topics Discussed: • Why feminism is blamed for systemic societal problems • Women’s independence and changing gender dynamics • The myth of the “perfect” traditional family • Emotional labor, dual income households, and economic realities • How patriarchy harms both women and men • Why gender equality improves societies overall

✨ Links and Resources Mentioned: Some NYS lawmakers push for passage of mifepristone bill https://westfaironline.com/courts/some-nys-lawmakers-push-for-passage-of-mifepristone-bill/

I do... for now. UK Muslims revive temporary marriages https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-22354201

Marriage is meant to last a lifetime. But what if it were only for a temporary? https://www.ums.ac.id/en/news/research/the-snare-of-contract-marriage-in-java

Marital Rape and Domestic Violence https://www.thehotline.org/resources/marital-rape-and-domestic-violence/

Automatic military draft registration takes effect in December https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/09/politics/us-military-draft-registration-2026

Gender equality and economic growth https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/gender-equality-and-economic-growth_fb0a0a93-en.html

Conflict, aid cuts and equality backlash causing ‘stagnation and regression’ of women’s rights https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/sep/15/global-progress-gender-equality-womens-rights-sdg--un

Educating girls and women drives employment and reduces poverty https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/topic/education/girls-education

Girls’ education, gender equality, and the role of civil society https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/girls-education-gender-equality-and-role-civil-society

The response of female labour force participation to the evolution of labour markets and policies supporting the reconciliation of work and family life https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241685091_Drivers_of_female_labour_force_participation_in_the_OECD

📚 This Week’s Recommendation: Buy The Ambition Penalty https://a.co/d/0b0VwgU1

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🕰️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Tea Time! 03:15 Mother’s Day Roundup 16:01 Erik Bottcher on Abortion Pill Access 22:22 Did Feminism Ruin Society? 30:00 What Actually Ruined Society? 39:12 Why Dual Income Households Became Necessary 47:54 Men Blaming Women for Wanting Autonomy 56:05 How Feminism Improved Society 01:07:50 Gender Equality Helps Everyone 01:15:37 Debunking Anti Feminist Myths 01:16:03 Tea Or Trash? Gatekeeping Feminism 01:26:36 Tea Or Trash? “Girl Boss” and “Momtrepreneur” 01:34:33 Poll Results

🎙️ The Audaci-Tea is a production of Siren Sound, executively produced by Lisa Carr and The Sovereign Woman. Music, audio, video, and show production by Ryan Marth and Siren Sound.

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💡 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siren Sound or its affiliates. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.