Misogyny, the | misogynistic (adj.)

Misogyny fulfils the function of stabilizing gender hierarchies and "re-establishing a gender-differentiated order" (Geier 2020, p. 2), as the literary scholar Andrea Geier explains in her text Logik und Funktion von Misogynie . The term describes the idea that women are worth less because of their ⇒ gender , have less power and should not make decisions. On the one hand, this goes hand in hand with an adherence to the idea that there are only ⇒ binary genders with their associated unequal role models, and on the other hand a devaluation and discrimination of women, not only individually but also structurally. The idea of a supposed female inferiority is a "supra-historical and cross-cultural phenomenon" (Schmincke 2018) and has been found in philosophical writings, Christian beliefs and scientific discourse since antiquity (Schmincke, 2018). One example of this is the Christian creation myth, in which Eve is considered the main culprit for original sin and the resulting expulsion from paradise.

Misogyny as a structural mechanism of patriarchy

As philosopher and author Kate Manne describes in her book Down Girl: Die Logik der Misogynie, misogyny functions as the ideology and belief system of patriarchy:

"According to my proposal, we should conceptualize misogyny at the most general level of description as the 'executive organ' of a patriarchal order that has the general function of controlling and enforcing its dominant ideology." (Manne 2019, p. 120).

Kate Manne emphasizes that the individual level remains central, because only in this way can players be held accountable for misogynistic actions and thought patterns (Manne 2019, p. 136). In doing so, Kate Manne is turning against the widespread view in medicine and psychology that misogyny is primarily a pathological characteristic of individuals, which ignores structural power relations (FUMA n.d.).

Misogyny in relation to sexism and antifeminism

The terms misogyny, sexism and antifeminism are often used synonymously. Misogyny is sometimes described as an umbrella term for sexism or antifeminism, with the term sexism being most widely used in everyday language. However, there are theoretical and analytical differences between the concepts: In contrast to misogyny, sexism refers to gender and can therefore make "men and women equally addressable as potential victims as well as practitioners of sexism" (Schmincke 2018). Antifeminism, on the other hand, only developed in the 19th century and is directly directed against feminist movements and achievements (Schmincke 2018).

The English neologism mysogenoir, which refers to the perspective of Black women through the syllable noir, also offers an intersectional view (FES, n.d.). This is intended to make it clear that Black women are exposed to particular hatred through the combination of misogyny and racism (FES, n.d.).

Forms of expression and effects of misogyny

Misogyny can manifest itself in various forms. It is "condescending, mansplaining, moralizing, reproachful, punitive, sexualizing, belittling, caricaturistic, exploitative, erasing and expressing decided indifference" (Manne 2020, p. 72). The forms of expression range from condescending language that pushes people into conservative role models, the exclusion of women from spaces and decision-making processes and the devaluation and denial of their achievements and contributions, to psychological or physical violence, sexual assault, rape and femicide.

The idealization and veneration of women and supposedly "feminine" behaviour can also be an expression of misogyny, while supposedly "unfeminine" behaviour is punished with threats, repression and devaluation (Geier 2020, p. 14).

In addition, anti-feminist and misogynistic world views are becoming entrenched in internet forums and social networks, for example in the so-called incel community, among pick-up artists or men's rights activists, all of whom are assigned to a male subculture (manosphere). This subculture is not only characterized by misogyny and anti-feminism, but is also closely linked to racist, conspiracy-theory, anti-Semitic and far-right ideologies. As a result, it can contribute to the rapid radicalization of men, as the attacks in Toronto (2018), Christchurch (2019), Halle (2019) and Hanau (2020) have shown (Bauer 2024).

Internalized misogyny

However, misogynistic attacks do not come exclusively from misogynistic men, but can come from all members of society - including women. "Internalized misogyny" refers to the unconscious or unintentional devaluation of and discrimination against women and femininity, in which structurally anchored sexist role models and narratives are reproduced. Here, it is particularly problematic that internalized misogyny often goes hand in hand with a lack of (female) solidarity (Rosenwasser 2021).

In Down Girl, Kate Manne also addresses internalized misogyny. As an example, she cites an experiment in which female and male professors were to be evaluated by different students: "As it turns out, gender has a significant impact on how and how well professors are subsequently evaluated" (Manne, 2019, p. 414). Manne describes how male professors tend to be considered "boring" and are therefore criticized for their manner, while female professors are "explicitly accused of being bad women by being described as 'bitches' and 'witches'" (Manne, 2019, p. 415).

Successfully counteracting misogyny

Misogyny can be counteracted by learning and living "female solidarity" (Rosenwasser, 2021) or by representing and normalizing female and human diversity. For a profound change or dissolution of misogynistic thinking and structures, however, the basic patriarchal order must be changed.

The German Women's Council's flyer "Klare Kante für Gleichstellung" (2025), for example, offers concrete pointers for this. Although the authors write here about recommendations for action against anti-feminism, they can also be applied to misogyny:

1. Listen: It is important to recognize anti-feminist and misogynistic statements and not downplay them. It is also crucial to recognize subliminal, internalized or structural statements (Deutscher Frauenrat, 2025).
2. Contradict: It is also important to take action against those statements with clear arguments (Deutscher Frauenrat, 2025). In the handling, the authors name the most popular narratives and list counter-arguments and facts to refute them.
3. Acting in solidarity: Solidarity with and support for affected individuals is also important (Deutscher Frauenrat, 2025). At TU Dortmund University, for example, the Central Advice Center for Advice Centre for Protection against Discrimination and Sexualized Violence (SchuDs) offers a platform to (anonymously) report assaults and get advice and support.
4. Networking: The final point mentioned by the authors is the networking of structures and initiatives within a city or institution. This is because it is important that, for example, equality offices and advice centers develop joint concepts and exchange experiences (Deutscher Frauenrat, 2025).

Status: January 2026

• Bauer, Mareike Fenja (2024): „Echte Männer“ und „wahre Weiblichkeit“? Antifeminismus um Unterricht begegnen. Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung. Letzter Zugriff 05.06.2025. 
• Deutscher Frauenrat (Juni, 2025): Handreichung: Klare Kante für Gleichstellung. Letzter Zugriff: 11.12.2025.
• Fachstelle Gender & Diversität NRW (FUMA) (ohne Jahr): #Misogynie. Letzter Zugriff 30.05.2025. 
• Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) (ohne Jahr): Was bedeutet Misogynie? Letzter Zugriff 04.06.2025.
• Geier, Andrea ​ (2020): Logik und Funktion von Misogynie. ​ Probleme und Perspektiven. ​ Ethik und Gesellschaft, 2/2020: Frauenfeindlichkeit mit System. ​Zur Logik der Misogynie in doch-nicht-post-patriarchalen Zeiten. Letzter Zugriff 12.01.2026.
• Manne, Kate (2019): Down Girl. Die Logik der Misogynie. Suhrkamp. Letzter Zugriff 12.01.2026.
• Rosenwasser, Anna (2021): Die Frauenfeindlichkeit in uns drin. Letzter Zugriff 05.06.2025.
• Schmincke, Imke (2018): Frauenfeindlich, sexistisch, antifeministisch? Begriffe und Phänomene bis zum aktuellen Antigenderismus. Bpb: Aus Politik und Zeitgeschichte. 68(1). Letzter Zugriff 12.01.2026.