The Manosphere of Red Pill Propaganda and Traditional Values

When will men learn to stop making everything about themselves?

Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin has stirred controversy in recent weeks due to his ignorant views on the declining birth rate, claiming that women should be taxed extra if they do not have children. Punishing women for a choice regarding their own bodily health is just one consequence of providing insecure men with a platform to voice their opinions. Instead of prioritising ways in which pregnant women can be accommodated to in their workplace, or funding research towards hormonal and fertility issues, childless women are being penalised. Goodwin has stated that he believes women are having children far too late in life, and that this is causing a ‘biological crisis’. For many women, having children later in life is not desirable. Around 10-20% of pregnancies result in loss, and whilst this is an obvious reason for a woman to be childless, Goodwin fails to consider this. Having children later in life isn't always a choice.

10% of women suffer from Endometriosis or PCOS, which can go undiagnosed for years before doctors begin treatment. The lack of research conducted into hormonal issues has led doctors to dismiss female patients, causing infertility rates to skyrocket. Approximately 1 in 6 women are infertile, meaning they will be taxed extra for not having the bodily ability to carry a child. Infertility is not a pleasant surprise for the majority of women, therefore if it was a concern for Goodwin, he would aim to fund research into infertility, not punish those who are unable to conceive. This idea is profiting the government from targeting women who are suffering with health issues due to a male founded health service. Matt Goodwin is a candidate for those who want control over women’s bodies.

In recent weeks, clips of ex Love Islander Chris Williamson have resurfaced from his appearance on the Diary of a CEO podcast. This has been met with contention due to his outspoken views on the declining birth rate. Williamson furthered his misinformed points by stating that women are prioritising their education over their dating prospects, leading to an ‘anti-family’ message within modern dating. During the podcast episode, he references ‘the girl with the list’ - a content creator who gained popularity for sharing reasons not to have kids - and proved his ignorance towards the growing number of women choosing to not settle down into conventional family dynamics. Shaming women for rejecting tradition is not the equivalent to promoting change. If men were performing adequately as partners, more women would be open to dating.

The issue is not the rise in hustle culture or women's dating content. Whilst dating content has driven women to become more independent and not lower their standards, this is not causing direct issues within the dating market. The issue stems from the men who are unable to provide for their partner, assuming they are worthy of marriage due to their status within society as a man. More women are becoming employed within male dominated spaces, and studies show that 35% more women are going to university than men. If women are succeeding under the patriarchy, why should they abide to the traditional relationship values which have been created by men?

Education is becoming more accessible to women than ever; therefore, we must abandon the expectation for women to choose men over their studies. It is not progressive to complain about the declining birth rate when it is a direct result of women gaining more independence. Why should women even consider having children when their partner doesn’t add any value to their life? Social media has become a safe space for women to share their dating experiences and advice, leading to more women turning celibate and choosing not to date. Less women are seeking relationships and this paints men in a negative light. The misogynistic response to the declining birth rate is another reason for women to not associate themselves with men. You can argue that ‘not all men’ are misogynists and whilst I would agree, there appears to be a growing number of men ridiculing women for their self-confidence and enjoyment in singlehood. Men benefitted from women lacking independence and this is why they expect us to abide to traditional values regarding marriage and children.

Masculinity is a complex social construct which a lot of men believe is held within their sexuality. If a man attracts a lot of women, this is assumed to prove their masculinity. The declining birth rate intimidates men because it suggests that their role in society is no longer adequate. Williamson fails to acknowledge that the declining birth rate is also a factor of the cost-of-living crisis, and undiagnosed fertility issues amongst women – both of which are failures mostly contributed to by men in high positions of power. Instead of blaming women for the declining birth rate, assessing why so many women are choosing to remain childless would allow for more clarity and understanding. Do women not deserve to receive sympathy for the societal pressure to have children?

The argument regarding the declining birth rate is proof of a wider conversation surrounding ‘red pill’ ideologies. This refers to the widespread theory that society is biased against men and women are the beneficiaries of society. Mainstream feminism is assumed to have corrupted gender roles, suggesting that men are victims of neglect within the sexual market because women refuse to settle. Rather than arguing that men should be putting more effort into their relationships and treating their partners with respect, the ‘red pill’ theory has become a pathway to online extremism and anti-feminism. The propaganda is spread through various social media platforms, often targeting vulnerable men who feel socially isolated. Typically, this is labelled as self-development content, despite the underlying elements of entitlement and misogyny. If men had role models with critical thinking skills, and a healthy relationship with their masculinity, extremist views would not be normalised amongst young men and the obsession towards women rejecting tradition would be non-existent.

These nihilistic views towards women are an extension of incel culture. Carrying hatred against women because they do not want to settle into a conventional societal dynamic created by men is modern misogyny. Assuming the reasons for remaining childless are invalid because they go against the grain and leave men without their designated role which proves their masculinity, is only providing women with more desire to stay single. Fuelling women's anger towards men does not reverse the declining birth rate. Holding resentment towards women for not dedicating their lives to entitled men will not erase the issues this content is aiming to combat.