Recent TikTok trend “microfeminism” and empowering students to use their mic for good
Be sure to check out the suggested Huddle question at the bottom of this article to discuss this important topic with your students in class, if you feel it is appropriate.
From Caitlin Clark’s low salary in the WNBA to Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s controversial graduation speech, where he states that many women graduating were more excited about the idea of motherhood than careers, students are taking to social media to voice their thoughts on society’s views on gender roles.
And TikTok users, many of whom are students, as 63% of teens report using the popular platform, are speaking out against what they believe to be gender discrimination by participating in a new trend – microfeminism. TV host and TikTok user Ashley Chaney kicked off this trend with a video where she shared the little things she does daily to combat sexism. She shares she does small but impactful actions, like putting a female assistant’s email address before a male CEO’s. The video is striking a chord with 2.7 million views and around 284k likes.
Pew Research Center reports that 58% of students use TikTok daily, and new research shows that TikTok’s algorithm frequently recommends misogynistic content to its users. So, students might come across gender discrimination on social media often. By empowering students to use their mics for good, students can better navigate and speak up on issues they care about, like microfeminism and gender discrimination.
The microfeminism trend and how students can use their mics for good on social media
Ashley Chaney’s original TikTok video, posted on March 25th, garnered 2.7 million views and eventually grew into a popular trend on TikTok called “microfeminism.” Microfeminism involves small actions that challenge gender norms and support women in the workplace. Microfeminsim might be a new term, but this concept has been present in workplaces long before the TikTok trend. The trend involves people, men, and women, using their mics for good and sharing what they do to combat sexism daily, such as making an effort to hear and promote the ideas of female coworkers as much as their male counterparts. The hashtag #microfeminism is currently trending on TikTok, and the videos under it have 10 million views collectively, demonstrating its widespread impact.
Microfeminism isn’t the only way social media users are speaking up against gender discrimination. When former Iowa player Caitlin Clark’s low starting salary, which is lower than that of some NBA mascots, was released, many users spoke up about the pay gap. On X (formerly Twitter), Russel Wilson, the Seahawks quarterback who won two consecutive Super Bowls, used his mic for good and responded to the news by saying, “These ladies deserve so much more… Praying for the day.”
While students may not yet be in the workforce, they are still exposed to and affected by societal trends and gender norms prevalent on social media. As students navigate gender norms online, these platforms influence their perceptions and daily interactions with trends like microfeminism, shaping their understanding of gender roles and equality. Empowering students to use their mics for good is powerful, as it equips them to address these challenges effectively within their school communities and beyond.
Students witnessing these discussions might wonder how to navigate similar issues in their own communities or conversations with peers. Educators can empower students to use their voice for good, helping them address challenges in their schools, like the high school students in Turkey who advocated against phrases like ‘don’t play like a girl’ in their school community. By fostering an environment where students feel their perspectives are valued, and everyone is respected, educators can help them develop the confidence to speak out against discrimination and advocate for positive change.
TSI’s Take
The microfeminism trend and similar movements show that small, everyday actions can lead to powerful change. All students, regardless of gender or age, can make changes in their communities when supported by educators to speak up. Empowering students to use their mic for good gives them the tools and confidence to speak up against issues like gender discrimination by letting them know their suggestions and perspectives are heard. In the #WinAtSocial Lesson, Analyzing the gender pay gap as we reflect on this year’s WNBA draft, we huddled up with Student Ambassadors to get their thoughts on the changes they’d like to see in how their athletes are treated. Here’s what they said:
- “I hope everyone would get the same amount of support and respect, no matter if they’re on a girl’s team or boy’s team.”
- “I’d like to see all teams getting the same equipment and practice times so everyone feels equally important.”
- “I want everyone to cheer loudly for the girls’ teams as they do for the boys’ teams so all athletes feel supported.”
These student quotes show that when educators encourage students to share their perspectives and empower them to use their mic for good, positive change is achievable. Students are eager to make a difference in their school communities. By equipping them with the tools to use their voice, like Russel Wilson and TikTok users in the microfeminism trend, educators empower students to advocate for important issues and create a more supportive school environment.
Here are more tips educators can use to empower students to use their mic for good:
- Support Causes They Care About: Empower students to use their platforms to advocate for causes they are passionate about. Whether it’s social justice, environmental issues, or mental health awareness, encouraging students to use their voices to support positive change can be powerful. When students are empowered to share their voices, they are 9x more likely to experience purpose in school.
- Highlight Everyday Actions: Encourage students to share small, daily actions that challenge gender norms and promote equality, like the microfeminism trend. Simple acts, whether big or small and online or offline, can make a big difference and positively impact their community.
- Be a Role Model: Lead by example. Show students how you use social media to spread positive messages and advocate for important causes. Your actions can serve as a blueprint as they navigate social media.
With examples like the microfeminism trend on TikTok, educators can show students how their small, everyday actions can challenge gender discrimination and promote positive change, like more inclusive language in their school communities. When educators empower students to share their perspectives and advocate for their beliefs, they are also equipped to create a more inclusive and supportive community. To discover more ways to empower students to use their mic for good and make positive change, check out the #WinAtSocial lesson, Analyzing the gender pay gap as we reflect on this year’s WNBA draft.
#WinAtSocial Huddle Question
Huddle with your students
Think of a cause or issue in your school community. What creative TikTok trend can you come up with that brings awareness or helps to combat this issue?
The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.