Feminism in Britain Today: What British Women Really Think, According to Research
For more than a century, feminism has shaped political, social, and cultural life in the United Kingdom. From the suffragettes who fought for women"s right to vote to modern campaigns for equal pay and protection against gender-based violence, the movement has evolved alongside British society.
?Yet one question continues to divide opinion: Do British women still identify as feminists
Recent surveys suggest that the answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. While most women in Britain strongly support gender equality, many are reluctant to describe themselves as feminists. Researchers say this gap between supporting feminist principles and embracing the label reveals how public attitudes toward feminism have changed.
Equality Receives Strong Support
One of the clearest findings from recent British research is that support for gender equality remains widespread.
A 2025 YouGov survey found that 83% of Britons believe men and women should have equal rights, equal status, and be treated equally. However, only 35% described themselves as feminists when asked directly. Interestingly, when respondents were first given a definition of feminism as supporting equal rights for men and women, the proportion willing to identify as feminists rose dramatically to 65%. Researchers concluded that many people agree with feminist values but feel uncomfortable with the label itself.
The findings suggest that the word "feminism" carries different meanings for different people. Some associate it with equality, while others view it through the lens of political debates or media portrayals.
Why Many Women Reject the Label
This pattern has appeared in British research for years.
The Fawcett Society, one of the UK"s leading organizations campaigning for gender equality, previously described Britain as a nation of "hidden feminists." Its nationwide survey found that large majorities supported equality between women and men, yet only a small minority actually called themselves feminists.
Researchers believe there are several reasons for this disconnect.
Some women feel that feminism has become politically polarized. Others believe the movement no longer represents every woman"s experience. There are also women who support equal opportunities but dislike labels altogether.
Rather than rejecting equality, many respondents appear to be rejecting the public image associated with the word "feminist."
Younger Women Show Stronger Support
Generational differences are also becoming more visible.
Studies consistently show that younger women are more likely to identify as feminists than older generations.
Research highlighted by the Young Women"s Trust found that around two-thirds of women aged 18 to 24 identified as feminists, reflecting growing awareness of issues such as workplace discrimination, online harassment, and sexual violence.
Campaigns such as #MeToo have played an important role in encouraging younger women to discuss gender inequality more openly. Universities, social media platforms, and youth organizations have also increased conversations around consent, equal opportunities, and women"s rights.
Even so, not every young woman embraces the label. Some prefer to advocate for equality without identifying with any political movement.
Workplace Equality Remains a Priority
Employment continues to be one of the biggest issues discussed by British women.
Despite significant progress, many women believe inequalities still exist in career advancement, leadership opportunities, and pay.
Earlier YouGov polling found that more than half of Britons believed women remain disadvantaged in the workplace, particularly when it comes to promotions and senior leadership positions.
Many women also continue to balance careers with caring responsibilities, a challenge that became particularly visible during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Flexible working arrangements, affordable childcare, and equal opportunities for promotion remain key priorities in public discussions about gender equality.
Women"s Safety Is a Growing Concern
Safety has become one of the defining issues in modern British feminism.
Recent surveys show that many women regularly change their behaviour because they fear harassment or violence.
Research has found that women are significantly more likely than men to worry about online abuse, stalking, and misogynistic harassment. Women also report feeling less comfortable expressing political opinions online because of concerns about being targeted.
High-profile criminal cases and public campaigns have increased awareness of violence against women and girls, leading many British women to argue that personal safety should remain at the centre of discussions about equality.
Social Media Has Changed Feminism
Social media has transformed how feminist ideas spread across Britain.
Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and X have helped campaigners discuss issues including body image, workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and domestic abuse.
Supporters argue that these platforms allow more women to share experiences that were previously ignored.
Critics, however, believe social media can oversimplify complex debates or encourage polarization. Online arguments sometimes create the impression that feminism is more divided than it actually is.
Researchers suggest that digital platforms have increased participation while also exposing women to greater levels of online abuse.
Different Women, Different Priorities
Modern British feminism is far from a single movement.
Women from different backgrounds often focus on different priorities depending on their experiences.
Some place greater emphasis on equal pay and career progression.
Others focus on childcare, healthcare, maternity rights, or representation in politics.
Women from ethnic minority communities may highlight discrimination that combines gender with race, while disabled women often stress accessibility and equal opportunities.
This diversity explains why there is no single "British feminist" viewpoint.
Is Feminism Still Needed?
Although opinions differ on the label, many surveys indicate that people continue to believe work remains to achieve genuine equality.
Supporters argue that challenges such as the gender pay gap, under-representation in senior leadership, violence against women, and online harassment demonstrate that feminism still has an important role.
Critics sometimes argue that legal equality already exists and that modern feminism should evolve to address broader social issues affecting everyone.
The debate itself reflects how feminism has become more complex than in previous generations.
Looking Ahead
British society continues to change, and so does feminism.
The latest research suggests that women overwhelmingly support equal rights and opportunities, even if many hesitate to describe themselves as feminists. Rather than rejecting equality, they may simply interpret the word differently.
For younger generations, feminism increasingly includes conversations about mental health, digital safety, diversity, and inclusion alongside traditional issues such as equal pay and workplace rights.
As new challenges emerge, public attitudes will likely continue to evolve. What remains consistent is that most British women—and many British men—continue to support the principle that everyone should have equal opportunities regardless of gender.
The research therefore paints a nuanced picture. Feminism in Britain is neither disappearing nor universally embraced. Instead, it is changing, reflecting the experiences, expectations, and priorities of a new generation while remaining rooted in the long-standing pursuit of equality.