Viral “women in male fields” trend risks becoming toxic, expert says

A new trend taking the internet by storm has seen women pointing out toxic behavior by men, using the hashtag Women in Male Fields. But as men hit back with their own complaints about women, are these trends ever really helpful? Newsweek spoke to one expert to find out.

If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram lately, you may have come across the viral #WomenInMaleFields hashtag, where women step into the shoes of men and flip the script.

One video from account @hattietok_ shows her typing furiously on an office computer, with the words: “Getting promoted every six months by sending passive aggressive emails being regularly invited to long lunches and not attending meetings #womeninmalefields.”

Others point out stereotypes of men being emotionally unavailable in relationships, with user @marla_fritz’s video bearing the words: “He was crying in bed so I said ‘here we go again’ and turned around and fell asleep. #womeninmalefields.”

Megan Dalla-Camina, founder of Women Rising and author of Women Rising: The Forces That Hold Us Back, told Newsweek these trends “reflect societal frustrations and highlight gender dynamics”.

But as the women’s trend exploded in popularity, men hit back, with one video from @booooosbomboss showing him dancing alongside the words: “She confronted me about lying to her, so I cried and lied more. (I’m the victim) #MenInWomenFields.”

Another, from @iccefox, said: “When I have a bad day, so I keep complaining about it to her and I try to pick a fight with her because I just feel like arguing, but she’s cool and that makes me even more mad. #meninfemalefields.”

Dalla-Camina told Newsweek these trends “can be valuable when done in a fun and light-hearted manner, as they bring awareness to the behaviors and challenges experienced by each gender,” adding it is “natural” for one gender to respond to the other with the potential to “build mutual understanding”.

“However, when these trends take a negative or mocking turn, they risk becoming toxic and reinforcing harmful stereotypes.”

Dalla-Camina acknowledged these competing hashtags do, however, “provide a lens into how deeply rooted stereotypes — such as women being overly emotional or men being emotionally unavailable — continue to shape perceptions and interactions”.

Recognizing these patterns can improve relationships and even address systemic issues if done properly, Dalla-Camina, a current PhD researcher in Women’s Spirituality and Leadership, went on.

“The real opportunity here lies in how we use these conversations to drive progress. Instead of reinforcing stereotypes, we can leverage them to explore healthier dynamics rooted in empathy, mutual respect, and equity.”

One man, TikTok user @moodydoodie, used the #MenInWomensFields hashtag in such a way, as he wrote: “When I show up for her every day despite having to work harder than her to prove my worth in a world built by women, for women — while also dealing with my right to bodily autonomy being in jeopardy at every turn — while also trying to love myself, even though entire industries have taught m the complete opposite (for centuries).”

He was praised in the comments, with one woman writing: “You sir! You understood the assignment.”

“It really makes me feel more safe and hope knowing some men understand,” another wrote. “Thank you for posting it.”

Should the men and women involved in the trends choose to move beyond humor and critique, Dalla-Camina said, “We can encourage people to reflect on their own behaviors, challenge outdated norms, and advocate for more inclusive practices at work and in our personal lives”.

One benefit of these trends, she said, could be to “expose the societal structures that shape our expectations in relationships and workplaces,” with the potential to “challenge these norms and create healthier, more equitable relationships”.