The Fight for Autonomy: How Conservative Male Beliefs Perpetuate the Abuse of Women and Why True Freedom Requires Inclusivity

In a world where women’s bodies continue to be battlegrounds for political, religious, and cultural power, one thing is clear: the fight for body autonomy is not just about individual freedom—it’s about challenging a patriarchal system that thrives on control and oppression. Conservative men, often influenced by religious and cultural beliefs, play a significant role in perpetuating the restriction of women’s rights, and the results are devastating, not just for women but for society as a whole. The ongoing attack on women’s autonomy, from reproductive rights to workplace equality, is a direct extension of these patriarchal beliefs. To build a world where true freedom exists for all genders, we must dismantle these oppressive structures and embrace inclusivity for all minorities.

Conservative Male Beliefs and the Abuse of Power

One of the root causes of the restrictions placed on women’s bodies and rights stems from traditional conservative male beliefs, particularly within religious contexts. Many conservative men are raised in environments that perpetuate patriarchal norms, dictating rigid gender roles where men are seen as the ultimate authority and women as caretakers. These beliefs may seem benign on the surface but carry dangerous consequences. When a man believes he is entitled to control women’s bodies—whether through legislative power, religious influence, or societal pressure—it opens the door for systemic abuse.

Historically, patriarchal structures have allowed conservative men to rationalize control over women’s reproductive rights. The belief that a woman’s body exists primarily for reproduction aligns with a worldview that denies women their basic autonomy. The battle over abortion rights, for instance, isn’t just about protecting the unborn—it’s about controlling the decisions women make about their bodies and futures. Such restrictive ideologies pave the way for policies that limit access to contraception, reproductive healthcare, and even the right to choose what happens to one’s own body in cases of sexual assault.

This isn’t just an American issue, though it’s glaringly evident in the United States. Take the stance of high-profile politicians, like Vice President Kamala Harris, who has fought to protect women’s reproductive rights, constantly facing resistance from conservative men who argue that they are defending moral and religious values. These men ignore the fact that their stance perpetuates a culture of control and abuse over women—women who are forced to carry pregnancies they cannot afford, sustain abusive relationships, or have their personal choices dictated by someone else’s belief system.

The Intersection of Patriarchy, Race, and Gender

To truly understand how harmful conservative male beliefs are, we must look at how they intersect with race and other minority identities. Women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are disproportionately affected by these oppressive systems. Conservative male control doesn’t just impact white women; it’s devastating for marginalized groups that already face systemic discrimination.

Minority women face unique challenges that are often exacerbated by patriarchal policies. Consider the fact that women of color are more likely to be denied proper healthcare, face wage gaps, and be subjected to harsher legal consequences when it comes to issues like abortion or child custody. When we discuss body autonomy, we must remember that for many women, especially those in minority communities, this is not just about reproductive rights—it’s about survival in a society that already treats them as lesser.

This is why it's critical to include everyone—regardless of gender, race, or economic status—in the fight for autonomy. Inclusivity is key to dismantling systems of oppression. We cannot have true gender equality if we ignore the voices and experiences of those most affected by patriarchal control. Stabilizing society means lifting up the marginalized and giving them equal footing in conversations around autonomy and rights.

Redefining Freedom for All

For true autonomy to exist, we must not only combat the conservative male belief system but also redefine what freedom looks like for everyone. Freedom is not selective—it’s not reserved for men who believe their religious views give them a right to legislate over women’s bodies. Freedom should mean that every individual, no matter their gender, race, or background, has control over their body, their choices, and their future.

This is where the importance of intersectional feminism and minority rights comes into play. White conservative men with patriarchal beliefs will often argue that autonomy threatens societal stability, claiming that loosening control over women leads to moral decay. But, as Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper and Vice President Harris have pointed out in different contexts, the opposite is true. A society where autonomy is respected and valued is a society where people are free to thrive, innovate, and contribute fully to the community. It’s a society where marginalized voices can shape the future, not just be subject to it.

Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast is a prime example of reclaiming women's autonomy, especially when discussing issues that women face daily in relationships, sexuality, and mental health. Through her candid conversations, Cooper has opened the door for women to talk about their experiences with power dynamics in relationships and how patriarchal structures often seep into our personal lives. It's these discussions, combined with political advocacy from leaders like Harris, that challenge the status quo and push us toward a future where everyone’s autonomy is respected.

A Call to Action

The fight for autonomy is far from over, but there is power in numbers and in awareness. It’s time for everyone—men, women, non-binary folks, and all marginalized communities—to join the movement for bodily autonomy. It’s time to dismantle the outdated conservative male belief systems that have oppressed women for far too long and to recognize that freedom for one is freedom for all. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, we can stabilize society and create a future where everyone has the right to control their body and their destiny.

This isn’t just a women’s issue, a minority issue, or a political issue—it’s a human issue. And together, we can build a world where autonomy is celebrated and where patriarchal control no longer dictates the futures of so many.