Women Increasingly Participate in Workforce, But Some Reject It

Women’s participation in the workforce has grown, yet some are embracing traditional roles, where financial dependence on a partner is prioritized. While this offers immediate comfort, it can lead to risks like lack of autonomy and vulnerability to abuse, warn experts. Empowering women to make personal choices about their careers and lifestyles is essential for their independence and well-being.

As of 2023, about 3.5 billion people were employed worldwide, compared to 2.23 billion in 1991. Of this workforce, roughly 1.4 billion were women, according to Statista. In countries like Mexico, women’s participation in the labor market has grown slightly. While women represented 39.9% of Mexico’s workforce in 2008, this percentage grew to 41.3% in 2018, as reported by INEGI. Their steady involvement in the workforce fosters greater income equality and diversification, ultimately benefiting global economies, reports the United Nations.

Despite advances, some women are embracing more traditional roles, where financial support depends on their partners. This trend is exemplified in the rise of the "soft girl" movement, a lifestyle that rejects the idea of a career-driven woman. Originating as a microtrend on social media in the late 2010s, the soft girl identity stands in stark contrast to the "girlboss" mentality, reports the BBC. In countries like Sweden, the soft girl lifestyle is gaining traction, with 14% of girls aged seven to 14 identifying with the trend. 

The rise of the soft girl trend can be attributed to growing concerns over work-life balance, particularly as hustle culture continues to dominate corporate settings. Many women have begun to experience higher levels of burnout, with 46% reporting feeling drained compared to 37% of men. The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing economic uncertainties have intensified stress for women, contributing to increased disengagement and dissatisfaction in the workplace.

However, while the soft girl movement provides an avenue for some women to address immediate needs and escape burnout, it comes with risks, warn experts. By reverting to more dependent roles, some women may face challenges in maintaining a sense of autonomy, particularly when it comes to financial decision-making. When one partner controls all financial aspects of a relationship, the other may feel disconnected from key decisions that affect both individuals.

Financial dependence has also been linked to domestic violence, with several studies suggesting that financial dependence can be associated with higher prevalence of intimate partner violence.

Nevertheless, individuals should have the freedom to make life choices based on their personal circumstances and financial possibilities, says Denice Westerberg, National Spokesperson, Sweden Democrats Party’s  Youth Wing. The right to choose a traditional lifestyle, free from societal pressures to pursue a career, should be respected.