Influencer Laura Henshaw warns about ‘damaging’ online movement

It’s an old story, but in new packaging: are some “traditional” ideas just thinly veiled ways to keep women in their place?

We’re seeing more content on social media being sold as “self-improvement” and “inspirational”, but beneath the surface, we’re looking at a far more damaging, restrictive script. 

Welcome to the manosphere.

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In the latest episode of The Pay Off with Sylvia Jeffreys, Sylvia sat down with Laura Henshaw, the co-founder and highly successful businesswoman behind KIC.

Laura came on to discuss her latest podcast mini-series, ‘Am I Equal?’, and give her view on women’s financial independence. 

Laura has been diving deep into the “manosphere” – a growing online space that’s pushing for a return to traditional gender roles, often disguised by ‘caring’ language and soft instrumental music. 

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“Benevolent sexism is disguised as caring, loving, kindness, ‘I wanna take care of you’. But it’s actually taking agency away from women within a relationship and also belittling the view of them”, Laura explains.

“When they spoke about women and the role of their partner, it was basically just to make sure they could pursue their dreams and be there for them at home. But there was nothing about women chasing our dreams, right?”

Perhaps this ‘old story, but new packaging’ looks like ‘Freedom Barbie’… she prioritises domesticity, is emotionally available for men’s comfort, and doesn’t strive for independent careers. 

To listen to Episode Sixteen of The Pay Off with Sylvia Jeffreys, press play below or tap here – 

Episode Sixteen | Why A Man Is Not A Financial Plan With Laura Henshaw

It’s a movement that is coinciding with the rise of the ‘tradwife’ trend on social media.

You’ve probably seen the aesthetically pleasing videos: women baking artisanal bread, tending to home gardens, and generally presenting an idyllic, almost retro, vision of domesticity. 

While there’s nothing wrong with choosing to be a stay-at-home parent – a necessary choice for many families –  the concern, as Laura talks about, is when this structure becomes prescriptive, pushing women to “opt out of power structures” and sacrifice their financial independence and freedom.

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“If you are prescribing a way someone needs to be within themselves, that is not freedom”, Laura states.

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In this episode, Laura also excitedly shares parts of her pregnancy journey, how KIC grew into the empire it is and her advice for anyone looking to start a business. 

The Pay Off with Sylvia Jeffreys is out now and a new episode publishes for free every Thursday. Search “The Pay Off” in your podcast app or tap here.

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