Works in Progress Podcast Why feminism worked best in the West with Alice Evans
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Sep 10, 2025 Alice Evans, a social scientist at King's College London and writer of 'The Great Gender Divergence,' discusses the unique success of Western feminism compared to East Asia's movements. They explore how dating markets and traditional values affect gender dynamics and marriage roles. Evans critiques family policies like baby bonuses and the need for joint tax filing to support changing family structures. The conversation also delves into workplace culture, advocating for inclusivity and alternative bonding practices beyond alcohol, showcasing the complexities of modern parenting and social norms.
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Coordinated Korean Protests
- South Korean feminist protests are highly coordinated with matching colours, banners and slogans, reflecting collective culture.
- These organised displays helped achieve legal reforms like recent anti-harassment legislation.
Dating Markets Fuel Male Backlash
- Skewed dating markets, single‑sex schooling and low social mobility concentrate male frustration and online misogyny.
- These structural pressures amplify hostile subcultures and produce strong backlash against feminism.
Target Baby Incentives Where They Matter
- Design fiscal incentives targeted at the most marginal additional births rather than broad, small baby bonuses.
- Treat childbearing as a positive externality and calculate larger, focused support where elasticity is highest.
