Backlash - The new violence against women

The stronger women become, the greater the hatred towards them. The US Supreme Court bans the right to abortion, police report a significant increase in domestic violence, and killing fantasies about women are trending on TikTok. The thesis: This backlash is a reaction to increasing equality. How can this vicious cycle be broken? Journalist Susanne Kaiser tells the whole story and outlines possible solutions.

The front door is covered in security locks. Ms. F. would need minutes to unlock them all. Her husband installed them because he wants her to leave. She is a lawyer, and her husband is a well-known judge. “Imagine if we had a beach date, and I held your head underwater until you just died. Lol.” 134,000 likes on TikTok. In 37 countries, abortion is still banned or has been banned again in 2022.

Private, digital, political – the forms of violence are not new, but they are directed against women today precisely because they are equal. This historical shift has activated fierce counterforces: successful men from affluent circles, Gen Z youth, and political institutions of democratic states. Especially where equality has been particularly effective, the backlash is even more intense.

Susanne Kaiser has been researching this phenomenon for over ten years; she has spoken with those affected and analyzes the problem socially, politically, and privately. Only this comprehensive perspective makes it clear with great clarity what toxic dynamics still arise from male-female role stereotypes. This book shows how we can overcome them.

“Susanne Kaiser makes it clear how much misogyny and politicized masculinities shape our private and political realities.” Tobias Ginsburg, author of the bestseller “The Last Men of the West.” “An important book at the right time. We must address the issue of violence against women as one.”.