A rising cultural sentiment described as "heteropessimism," characterized by disappointment and antagonism toward relationships with men, may ultimately disadvantage women, according to a USA Today op-ed by columnist Ingrid Jacques.
Jacques argues that viral trends, such as the "divorce glow-ups" and a surge in anti-male literature, are widening the divide between the sexes. She points to data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicating a significant decline in marriage rates. In 2025, only 47% of American households were married couples, a decrease from nearly 66% 50 years prior. Additionally, the proportion of married households with children under 18 fell from 54% in 1975 to 37% in 2025.
The op-ed highlights cultural narratives that often portray men negatively, citing the novel "Yesteryear" where male characters are depicted as "man-babies" or "sexist pigs." Such media consumption, Jacques suggests, contributes to women's growing skepticism about traditional relationships.
The trend is also visible on social media platforms like TikTok, where "divorce glow-up" videos showcase women appearing happier after ending their marriages. This celebration of singlehood and post-divorce freedom is exemplified by public figures like author Elizabeth Gilbert and model Emily Ratajkowski, who have spoken positively about their experiences outside of marriage.
Jacques references studies suggesting that married women tend to report higher levels of happiness, longer lifespans, and greater earnings compared to their single counterparts. A 2024 American Family Survey indicated that women aged 18 to 40 who identified as liberal were less likely to report being "completely satisfied" with their lives (12%) compared to conservative (37%) and moderate (28%) women of the same age group.
Citing author Louise Perry, Jacques posits that young women may be experiencing alienation due to "hookup culture" and a lack of genuine friendships with men. The op-ed concludes that rather than abandoning marriage, a return to valuing partnerships is necessary for bridging the cultural divide, stating that "discounting marriage won’t get them there."