Part 19/20:
The narratives of “men lying flat,” radical feminism, and societal upheaval are manifestations of deeper structural changes. When economic opportunities shrink and societal trust diminishes, both men and women adapt by retreating from cooperation, often in opposing directions. This dynamic produces a vicious cycle of polarization, radicalization, and societal fragmentation.
Understanding this complex interplay underscores the importance of integrating economic stability with social policy. Without addressing the foundational economic challenges, societal conflicts—particularly regarding gender—are likely to continue intensifying, mirroring the history of East Asia’s recent decades.