Is the fifth wave of feminism in TikTok?

Maybe. In the dynamic realm of digital culture, TikTok emerges as a potent force reshaping and celebrating girlhood. Symbols once dismissed as frivolous—bows, Sofia Coppola’s The Virgin Suicides, and Lana Del Rey’s discography—are experiencing a revival, challenging societal norms on the platform.

Table of contents (3 min)

A year of girlhood triumphs in 2023

The year 2023 marked a significant chapter for girlhood, witnessing the embrace of its essence in cultural phenomena. From Greta Gerwig‘s strategic Barbie marketing to Taylor Swift’s recognition as Time’s Person of the Year, girlhood has solidified its place in the collective consciousness.

TikTok’s role as the epicenter of modern girlhood

The birthplace of contemporary girlhood is none other than TikTok. Crafted and managed by the late teens to young adults of our generation, the app provides a unique avenue for identity exploration. Unlike previous generations, today’s women can delay conventional life milestones, offering an unprecedented opportunity for self-discovery.

  • Digital empowerment: breaking free from constraints. Empowered by the internet and TikTok’s algorithm, girls and women now revel in newfound freedom. No longer tethered to the need for institutional or group acceptance, a simple video upload can resonate with a like-minded community. The internet’s absence of a glass ceiling amplifies diverse voices and perspectives.
  • Nostalgia and the reclamation of childhood. The resurgence of lace-trimmed cami tops, decorative snap hair clips, and ballet flats carries a poignant sense of nostalgia. It reflects a dual sentiment—an aversion to fully embracing adulthood and a desire to reclaim a childhood overshadowed by societal expectations.

Exploring emotions through a girl-coded lens

Girlhood transcends aesthetics, fostering an intrinsic connection among all women and women-identifying individuals. Emotions are now scrutinized through a girl-coded lens, offering nuanced insights into relationships and societal expectations. Terms like ‘female rage’ replace outdated labels, creating a supportive community where women encourage authentic self-expression.

As Simone De Beauvoir aptly stated, «One is not born, but becomes a woman». TikTok girlhood plays a pivotal role in dismantling the historical gender construct that limited women. While not the sole focus of feminism, TikTok girlhood empowers women to define themselves on their terms—an unprecedented privilege throughout history.


TikTok girlhood signifies a cultural resurgence within feminism, celebrating and redefining girlhood rather than aligning with a specific feminist wave.

TikTok transforms into a reality-shaping space, influencing emotions, expressions, and identity beyond mere aesthetics. It serves as a platform for self-exploration and community building.

Absolutely. TikTok girlhood empowers women by providing a space where they can define themselves on their terms, challenging historical norms and breaking down gender constructs.

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Upholding Freedom of Thought: Gender-Critical Views Protected by Law in the UK

In recent years, discussions surrounding gender and sex have sparked intense debate, with differing perspectives often at odds. Amidst these debates, the protection of freedom of thought and expression for gender-critical views has become a focal point, as evidenced by recent tribunal cases highlighting ongoing challenges and discrimination.

The Communist Women’s Movement 1920-1922: Women and the Fight for Revolution

The Communist Women’s Movement (CWM), active from 1920-1922, was the inaugural international organization of Communist women. Formed in the aftermath of World War I and the Russian Revolution, the CWM, under the Comintern, championed women’s rights and socialist ideals globally. It initiated impactful campaigns and left a lasting legacy in the international Communist movement.

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