Has Feminism Become What It Sought to Destroy?

Carl Jung's concept of enantiodromia—the process by which something turns into its opposite—is a fitting lens through which to view modern feminism. What began as a movement seeking equality and empowerment has, in many instances, morphed into a shadow of itself, embodying the very toxic behaviors it sought to challenge. Feminism, at its core, was meant to liberate women from the chains of oppression, advocating for dignity, autonomy, and respect. Yet, as Jungian psychology teaches us, when one extreme becomes too dominant, its opposite inevitably arises.

The question we must now ask is: Has feminism become the very problem it once set out to vanquish?

Enantiodromia and the Feminist Narrative

Jung described enantiodromia as a psychic phenomenon where the unconscious compensates for an overdeveloped one-sidedness by swinging to its opposite. When applied to feminism, this principle reveals how the noble pursuit of women’s rights and equality has, in some cases, slipped into a dangerous form of radicalism. Feminism, which once stood as a force for social good, is now, at times, an outlet for unhealed wounds and unresolved psychological trauma.

Instead of bringing balance between the sexes, certain factions of modern feminism have become a breeding ground for hostility, scapegoating, and division. The pendulum has swung from advocating equality to the demonization of masculinity itself. But is this transformation really about social justice, or does it mask deeper, unresolved psychological pain?

Projection of the Father Wound

Jungian psychology teaches us that when we fail to confront and heal our inner wounds, we project them onto others. For many women within this radical branch of feminism, men have become the symbolic target of their unhealed father wounds. Whether it’s from a father who was absent, abusive, or emotionally unavailable, these deep psychological injuries often get displaced onto male figures in their adult lives. This projection is insidious because it operates outside of conscious awareness, allowing the wounded individual to externalize their pain without confronting its true source.

What we are witnessing is the rise of a collective narrative that insulates these unhealed traumas, presenting an altruistic front while covering up the narcissistic or even psychopathic tendencies that lie beneath. The cultural narrative elevates certain behaviors under the guise of empowerment, while excusing aggression, manipulation, or emotional coldness toward men as justifiable reactions to past harms. Yet, this framework of blame prevents real healing from taking place. By projecting their internal darkness onto men, these women are, in essence, avoiding the difficult and painful work of self-examination and personal growth.

The Justice Dilemma: Splitting and Projection

Humans have a natural tendency to seek justice for their pain. However, this pursuit often leads to splitting—an unconscious defense mechanism where the world is divided into borderline "good" and "bad" categories, with no room for ambiguity. When one sees oneself only as the victim and the other as the villain, this splitting gives rise to projection. In the feminist context, men become the psychological scapegoats for the unresolved issues women carry, turning feminism into an oppositional force rather than a collaborative one.

What makes this cycle so damaging is its inherent lack of self-reflection. Women caught in this narrative are unlikely to see their own contributions to relational dysfunction, focusing instead on how they’ve been wronged. It’s far easier to externalize blame than to sit in the discomfort of acknowledging one’s own flaws, insecurities, and unmet needs. As Jung said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” But this understanding requires emotional maturity and self-awareness, both of which are stunted by an overreliance on blame-shifting narratives.

Boundaries, Emotional Maturity, and Feminism’s Paradox

One of the ironies of modern feminism is the emphasis on boundaries—self-care, asserting personal space, and demanding respect. These are vital aspects of any healthy relationship, but when boundaries are used as weapons to shield oneself from self-reflection, they lose their true purpose. Boundaries are not just walls to keep others out; they are also meant to be tools for personal responsibility and mutual respect.

The reality is that many women within this framework lack the emotional maturity to set genuine, healthy boundaries. Instead, they often blur the line between empowerment and entitlement, expecting men to navigate an emotional minefield while offering little in return. When men fail to meet these ever-shifting expectations, they are quickly labeled as toxic or abusive. Yet, could it be that these women, in their rush to assert their independence, are actually masking deep-rooted insecurities and fears of vulnerability?

The Cultural Punching Bag: Men as Targets

Men today are increasingly becoming cultural punching bags, seen as embodibments of the patriarchy and labeled as oppressors regardless of their individual behaviors or intentions. There is no doubt that toxic masculinity exists and needs to be addressed, but when all men are painted with the same brush, we risk losing the nuance that is essential to understanding human relationships.

Where once men were asked to rise to the challenge of supporting women in their quest for equality, they are now often dismissed as either irredeemable or, worse, unnecessary. This trend is profoundly damaging, not just to men but to the fabric of society as a whole. We must ask ourselves: When did the fight for equality turn into a zero-sum game where one gender's gain must come at the other’s expense?

The Problem of Grandiosity in Modern Feminism

At its worst, modern feminism can breed a sense of grandiosity—the belief that women are morally superior and, therefore, justified in their treatment of men. This inflated sense of self-righteousness allows women to rationalize behaviors that are harmful, manipulative, or even predatory. It also insulates them from critique, as any questioning of their motives can be deflected as misogyny or an attempt to undermine their empowerment.

This is where enantiodromia fully comes into play. What began as a movement for equality has now, in some cases, become a platform for superiority. The very behaviors feminism once sought to dismantle—dominance, control, and manipulation—are now being exhibited by the movement’s most vocal advocates. The extreme pursuit of power over the opposite sex is bound to backfire, leading to further polarization and conflict.

Feminism’s Path Forward: Healing, Not Blaming

If feminism is to reclaim its original purpose and create lasting change, it must shift away from the blame game and toward a more integrated, healing approach. This means acknowledging the wounds women carry without turning men into perpetual scapegoats. It means embracing the complexity of human relationships, where both genders have roles to play in healing each other’s pain.

Jung’s concept of individuation—the process of becoming whole—requires that we face our shadows, those hidden parts of ourselves that we project onto others. For feminism to evolve, women must confront their shadows, the unresolved father wounds, the suppressed anger, and the fear of vulnerability. Only by doing so can we move beyond the divisive narrative that pits men and women against each other and toward a vision of partnership and mutual respect.

A Call for Conscious Reflection

The current feminist movement is at a crossroads. Will it continue to project its collective wounds onto men, or will it evolve into a force for true healing and equality? Jung’s concept of enantiodromia reminds us that when we push too far in one direction, the opposite is bound to emerge. Perhaps the time has come for the pendulum to swing back toward balance, where both men and women can engage in conscious, reflective dialogue, working together to heal the wounds of the past and create a future grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

If feminism continues on its current path of blame, it risks alienating the very men who are essential to its progress. But if it can embrace the hard work of self-reflection, it has the potential to become a transformative force that not only empowers women but heals the relationship between the sexes. In the end, the question we must ask ourselves is: Do we want justice, or do we want healing? The answer will determine the future of feminism and the balance of power between men and women for generations to come.