The contemporary rise in anti-feminist sentiment isn’t occurring in a vacuum. According to recent analysis by essayist and cultural critic Remedios Zafra, this surge is inextricably linked to a broader devaluation of intellectual work and the institutions that support it. Zafra’s remarks, delivered in a conference inaugurating the programming of the Cátedra José Luis Brea on March 19, 2026, highlight a concerning trend: the undermining of knowledge itself as a tactic to dismantle progress toward gender equality.
Zafra argues that questioning gender studies and feminist policies is often paired with a deliberate attempt to discredit the very foundations of academic inquiry – universities, research centers, and the humanities. This isn’t accidental, she contends, but a strategic move to weaken the intellectual underpinnings of a movement deeply rooted in humanist thought and the pursuit of social justice. The core of the issue, as Zafra presents it, is that advancements in equality are directly correlated with access to and valuing of education.
The scholar points to a global phenomenon where anti-feminism is being leveraged as a rallying cry for far-right movements. This represents happening simultaneously with the spread of misinformation and the dismissal of scientific consensus, particularly online. “Today, antifeminism is used globally as a symbolic adhesive for far-right movements, alongside the devaluation of knowledge emerging from universities and science, mistreated by hoaxes and disinformation on social networks and through the spectacularization of life mediated by screens,” Zafra stated. This creates a climate where the pursuit of truth is actively undermined, and emotional appeals and sensationalism take precedence over reasoned debate.
The Parallel Erosion of Intellectual and Feminist Values
Zafra draws a striking parallel between the attacks on feminist thought and the pressures faced by cultural workers. She suggests that the patriarchal system benefits from both the suppression of women’s voices and the exploitation of creative labor. This manifests in the expectation of constant self-promotion, the acceptance of “affective capital” and “symbolic capital” as sufficient compensation, and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life. The pressure to maintain a perpetually positive online persona, she argues, is a modern extension of patriarchal control.
This dynamic, Zafra explains, isn’t simply about economic exploitation; it’s about maintaining a power imbalance. The patriarchal structure, she posits, relies on women internalizing their own subordination, a pattern mirrored in the self-exploitation often encouraged within the creative industries. The system thrives on precarity and the constant need for validation, effectively silencing dissent and reinforcing existing hierarchies. Remedios Zafra, a prolific author herself, has published numerous works exploring these themes, including El informe. Trabajo intelectual y tristeza burocrática (2024) and El bucle invisible (2022), which won the Premio Internacional de ensayo Jovellanos.
Technological Landscapes and the Resurgence of Patriarchy
The rise of technology and the “techno-libertarian” ethos, Zafra argues, haven’t liberated us from patriarchal structures but have, in some ways, reactivated them. Resentment among some men is being skillfully exploited to reinforce traditional privileges within this new “tecnoescenario.” The emphasis on visual spectacle and instant gratification, driven by social media algorithms, further devalues critical thinking and prioritizes superficiality. This creates a fertile ground for the spread of misinformation and the erosion of trust in established institutions.
Zafra, who has extensively researched the intersection of gender and the internet – as evidenced by her earlier work, Netianas. N(h)acer mujer en Internet (2005) – highlights how the digital realm can both empower and oppress. While offering new avenues for connection and expression, it also amplifies existing inequalities and provides a platform for harassment and abuse. Her research, conducted at the Instituto de Filosofía del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, consistently examines these complex dynamics.
Looking Ahead: Resistance Through Knowledge and Intellectual Action
Despite the challenges, Zafra remains optimistic. She believes that both feminism and intellectual labor hold the key to resisting these regressive forces. By reaffirming the value of knowledge, critical thinking, and education, One can challenge the narratives that seek to undermine equality and social progress. The connection between knowledge and feminism, she emphasizes, is not merely conceptual or historical but deeply personal and political. As Zafra stated, linking thought and consciousness to unhappiness is a tactic to discourage autonomy and emancipation.
The ongoing conversation sparked by Zafra’s work underscores the urgent need for continued dialogue and critical engagement with the forces shaping our contemporary world. What remains to be seen is how effectively these ideas will translate into concrete action and policy changes. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and engage in constructive discussion in the comments below.
