When Did the NYT become Anti-Women?: The Op-Ed that Condemned Feminism in the Workplace – Her Campus

Analysis of the New York Times Opinion Piece on Feminism and the Workplace

Introduction

In 2025, a controversial opinion piece titled “Did Liberal Feminism Ruin the Workplace?” was published by the New York Times, sparking widespread debate and criticism. This report examines the key arguments presented in the article, the backlash it received, and its implications in the context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Background and Controversy

1. The original headline, “Did Women Ruin the Workplace? And if so, can conservative feminism fix it?”, was perceived as highly provocative and led to immediate public backlash.
2. The podcast episode was hosted by Ross Douthat, known for conservative views, with contributors Helen Andrews and Leah Libresco Sargeant, both critical of feminist theory.
3. The article questioned the impact of feminism and “wokeness” on workplace culture, attributing institutional changes to increased female participation.

Key Arguments Presented

• Feminization of Institutions: The article claims that institutions have become “woke” due to more women being involved, suggesting a negative influence on workplace dynamics.
• Criticism of the #MeToo Movement: It argues that the movement censors opinions and restricts questioning of alleged victims, impacting free speech.
• Biological Determinism: The piece revives outdated notions of “female vices” such as gossip, implying these traits harm workplace environments.
• Questioning Title IX Protections: The article controversially labels Title IX sexual assault cases on college campuses as “kangaroo courts,” undermining protections against harassment and abuse.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

This discourse directly challenges the progress and principles of several SDGs:

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article’s rhetoric undermines efforts to achieve gender equality by questioning women’s rights and safety in the workplace.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – By criticizing feminist movements that promote safe and equitable work environments, the piece risks impeding inclusive and productive workplaces.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The propagation of conservative feminist critiques may exacerbate social inequalities by marginalizing voices advocating for equal treatment.

Responses and Broader Context

1. The publication of such views in a major newspaper highlights ongoing societal debates about women’s roles and rights in professional settings.
2. Many female-identifying journalists and activists have responded by amplifying voices that support equality and safety in the workplace.
3. The controversy underscores the importance of media literacy and encourages audiences to seek diverse perspectives, particularly those representing marginalized groups.

Recommendations

• Promote media content that supports SDG 5 by advocating for gender equality and combating discrimination.
• Encourage educational initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of safe and inclusive workplaces aligned with SDG 8.
• Support platforms and journalists who amplify marginalized voices to advance SDG 10 on reducing inequalities.
• Foster critical engagement with media to challenge harmful stereotypes and misinformation.

Conclusion

The New York Times opinion piece sparked vital conversations about feminism, workplace culture, and media responsibility. Emphasizing the Sustainable Development Goals, especially gender equality and decent work, is crucial to advancing inclusive and equitable societies. Continued efforts to educate and amplify marginalized voices remain essential in achieving these global objectives.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article discusses feminism, women’s rights in the workplace, and challenges faced by women, directly relating to gender equality.
   • Issues such as sexual harassment, Title IX protections, and anti-women rhetoric are central themes.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights marginalization and the need to amplify voices of marginalized groups, addressing social inequalities.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • References to Title IX and debates around institutional fairness and justice in cases of sexual assault relate to this goal.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Discussion about academia and truth-telling in educational institutions connects to quality education and inclusive learning environments.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private spheres, including sexual harassment and abuse.
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of gender or other status.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including gender equality and human rights.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 5:
   • Proportion of women subjected to sexual harassment and violence in the workplace (implied through discussion of Title IX and harassment).
   • Women’s representation in leadership roles and decision-making positions (implied by discussion of women’s participation in institutions).
   • Incidence of discrimination against women in workplaces and institutions.
2. Indicators related to SDG 10:
   • Measures of social inclusion and reduction of inequalities based on gender or other status.
3. Indicators related to SDG 16:
   • Number of reported cases and outcomes related to sexual assault and harassment in institutions (implied by Title IX discussions).
   • Perceptions of fairness and justice in institutional processes.
4. Indicators related to SDG 4:
   • Inclusion of gender equality and human rights topics in educational curricula.
   • Access to education free from discrimination and harassment.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: hercampus.com