Girlboss

The term "girlboss" is a contested and evolving term that generally refers to a woman, particularly in business, who is seen as ambitious, successful, and defying traditional gender roles in the workplace. It often carries connotations of female empowerment and a celebration of women achieving positions of power traditionally held by men.

The concept rose to prominence in the early 2010s, often associated with the rise of female entrepreneurs and the promotion of a specific brand of feminism focused on individual achievement and economic success within a capitalist framework. Companies and individuals who identified with the "girlboss" ethos often emphasized female-centric branding, marketing, and work environments.

Criticisms of the "girlboss" concept are numerous. Critics argue that it often focuses on individual success while neglecting systemic issues of gender inequality and intersectionality. Furthermore, it can be perceived as performative feminism, where superficial displays of female empowerment are used for marketing purposes or to mask problematic business practices. The term has also been criticized for placing undue pressure on women to achieve hyper-success and for failing to address the experiences of women from diverse backgrounds, particularly women of color and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

In recent years, the term has often been used ironically or pejoratively, reflecting a growing skepticism towards its original meaning and a broader critique of corporate feminism. It’s now frequently associated with tone-deaf marketing, exploitative labor practices disguised as female empowerment, and a narrow definition of success that prioritizes profit over ethical considerations.