The direct opposite of "pro-feminist" is antifeminism.
Understanding Antifeminism
While "pro-feminist" signifies support for the principles and goals of feminism – which advocates for political, economic, personal, and social equality of the sexes – antifeminism represents opposition to these very ideals.
Historically and currently, antifeminism has manifested in various forms:
- Opposition to Women's Rights: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, antifeminists actively opposed key policy proposals aimed at advancing women's rights. These included fundamental changes such as:
- The right to vote (suffrage).
- Equal educational opportunities.
- Property rights for women.
- Access to birth control.
- Rejection of Feminist Principles: At its core, antifeminism opposes the broader movement of feminism itself. This can involve disagreeing with the notion of systemic gender inequality, opposing specific feminist ideologies, or resisting changes to traditional gender roles and power structures.
It's important to note that antifeminism is not merely a lack of support for feminism but an active stance against it, often characterized by arguments that feminist movements are unnecessary, harmful, or have gone too far.
