3 Controversial Statements by JD Vance and Why They Matter (3 of 3)

Describing Democrats as “Childless Cat Ladies”

If accusing immigrants of eating their pets wasn’t enough, Vance also ridiculed women who don’t have children, specifically those who are in public-facing careers. In an interview in 2021, he argued that women without children are selfish and out of touch and that America was being led by what he deemed “childless cat ladies,” according to online sources. He stated that women without children are miserable and harmful to society, and that they want the rest of the country to be miserable like them. Needless to say, the nation was set ablaze with outrage.

Outdated gender roles and beliefs about women’s roles as mothers and wives underscored the archaic and sexist nature of the comments, drawing widespread criticism. Many commentators pointed to the fact that statements like this imply that a woman’s worth and contributions to society is based on her ability to bear children and raise them. Vance tried to backtrack, saying the statement was sarcastic and not meant to be taken seriously. But these comments stuck and soured his image in the minds of many Americans — viewing him as a politician who represents the long-standing narrative of conservatism that correlates family values to moral authority and patriarchal elitism.