Did Women Really Mess Up the Workplace?

The Controversial Discussion

A recent podcast led by New York Times opinion columnist Ross Douthat sparked a heated debate about women's impact on the workplace. The discussion featured Helen Andrews and Leah Libresco Sargeant, both conservative critics of modern feminism.

The original headline, "Did Women Ruin the Workplace?", caused a stir and was quickly changed to "Did Liberal Feminism Ruin the Workplace?" to soften the blow.

The Core Argument

The conversation revolved around "wokeness" in the workplace.

• Helen Andrews argued that women are to blame for the rise of "wokeness," suggesting that institutions have become more "feminine" as more women join the workforce.
• She criticized the increase in reported sex scandals and the belief that all women should be believed.

• Andrews claimed that women bring toxicity to the workplace, citing stereotypes like gossiping and avoiding direct conflict.

• Leah Libresco Sargeant argued that the workplace should not be the primary space for working out cultural issues.
• She believed that women should not bring their "woke feminism" ideas to work.

Both guests seemed to have troubling views about women in the workplace, with Andrews focusing on female stereotypes and Sargeant downplaying the importance of workplace culture.

The Backlash

The podcast received backlash for its overt sexism and outdated views. Critics argued that the question itself was ludicrous and showcased fear around the encroachment of liberal feminism in the workplace.

On social media, users slammed the podcast for blaming women for speaking up against harassment and unfair treatment.

The Real Question

So, did women really ruin the workplace?

The answer is no. Women have made significant strides in the workplace, outpacing men in education and holding an ever-rising share of high-paying occupations.

The real question is: who did women ruin the workplace for?

It seems that the only people who believe women have ruined the workplace are those who are worried about women getting ahead, fear diversity, or don't want the boys club to change.