Sophie Gilbert, a staff writer at The Atlantic, explores the fraught state of modern womanhood in her new book, 'Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned A Generation of Women Against Themselves', which is set to be released on April 29, 2025.

She examines the late 1990s and early 2000s to understand the decline of feminism, focusing on how popular culture has shaped women's perceptions of themselves and their sexuality.

Gilbert analyzes various entertainment genres from the 2000s, suggesting they promote a return to traditional gender roles that prioritize male desire.

She critiques the framing of women's objectification as empowerment, leading many to believe that sex is their currency and that objectification is a source of strength.

In her book, Gilbert critiques the resurgence of patriarchal values in the 21st century, arguing that pop culture has negatively impacted women's self-image and identity.

As women became more visible in popular culture, Gilbert notes they were often resented for this visibility, exemplified by Jessica Simpson's objectification in a 2008 Esquire cover story.

The book also reflects on significant political events, such as the reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022 and Donald Trump's reelection in 2024, suggesting these resonate with some women who support traditional gender roles.

Gilbert connects the backlash against feminist movements to the rise of incel culture and the popularity of 'trad wives' and stay-at-home girlfriends on platforms like TikTok.

Personal experiences, including the birth of her twins during the COVID-19 pandemic and the political climate, inspired Gilbert to explore how culture influences women's power and agency.

She highlights a shift from the empowering messages of 1990s 'riot grrrls' to the hyper-commercialization of girl power exemplified by the Spice Girls, which shifted focus to male pleasure.

Ultimately, Gilbert aims to provide a critical lens through which to assess contemporary culture, encouraging readers to recognize and understand the pervasive assumptions that shape their views.

Through her nuanced critique, Gilbert emphasizes the need to reevaluate the mechanics of power that perpetuate harmful cultural narratives about women.