New Book ‘Girl on Girl’ Examines Pop Culture’s Role in 21st Century Feminist Backlash

A new book, “Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves,” offers a critical examination of the challenges confronting feminism in the 21st century, particularly within Anglo-American culture. Authored by Sophie Gilbert, a London-based staff writer for The Atlantic magazine, the work delves into how popular entertainment since the early 2000s has contributed to a cultural environment where progress for women faces significant headwinds.

Published on April 28, 2025, the book is the subject of a review from AP News, which highlights Gilbert’s central argument: that despite decades of significant advancements driven by earlier feminist movements, a patriarchal societal structure has not only persisted but has seen a resurgence. According to Gilbert’s analysis, this re-emergent patriarchy actively promotes and valorizes the idea that women’s primary roles and aspirations should be confined to the domestic sphere.

Unpacking the Cultural Shift

Gilbert, who identifies as a millennial, brings a contemporary perspective to her study, meticulously tracing how various entertainment genres across film, television, music, and digital media platforms since the turn of the millennium have subtly or overtly conveyed messages aligning with traditional, restrictive gender roles. Her book argues that this consistent messaging in popular culture has played a significant role in shaping perceptions and potentially undermining feminist ideals among younger generations of women.

The book’s structure is presented as a methodical detailing of how the cultural backlash against earlier waves of feminism has manifested in various, often interconnected, phenomena. Gilbert explores the roots and cultural expressions of movements and trends such as incel culture – referring to ‘involuntary celibates,’ predominantly men who express resentment and hostility towards women – as well as the rise of ‘trad wives’ (traditional wives) who actively embrace conservative gender roles and domesticity, and the proliferation of the “stay-at-home girlfriends” trend visible on platforms like TikTok.

According to the AP News review, Gilbert’s analysis provides essential context for understanding broader societal and political events. She links the cultural shifts detailed in her book to significant developments such as the reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022, which eliminated the constitutional right to abortion in the United States. Furthermore, her work is presented as shedding light on outcomes like the reelection of Donald Trump, suggesting that the appeal of his message resonated not only with a male demographic but also with a notable minority of women.

The Role of Pop Culture

“Girl on Girl” doesn’t merely document these trends; it aims to demonstrate the causal link between the persistent, sometimes insidious, portrayal of women and gender roles in mass media and the observable cultural regression. By examining specific examples from entertainment, Gilbert illustrates how narratives, character portrayals, and popular trends have normalized or even celebrated ideals that run counter to feminist principles of equality and autonomy.

The book is described as a comprehensive and detailed examination of this complex cultural shift. Gilbert’s work challenges the notion that feminist gains are irreversible and suggests that cultural forces, amplified by popular media, can actively work to dismantle progress and reinforce traditional power structures.

In conclusion, Sophie Gilbert’s “Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves” emerges from the AP News review as a timely and important contribution to understanding the contemporary landscape of gender politics. Published on April 28, 2025, it offers a compelling argument that the seemingly innocuous world of pop culture is a critical battleground in the ongoing struggle for gender equality, deeply influencing how a generation perceives feminism and their own potential.