The Pocket Guide to the Patriarchy: The truth about misogyny, and how it affects us all

by Maya Oppenheim

'This is a vital book. Hand this out in schools, in the workplace, everywhere. It's also beautifully written.' Olivia Colman

'Brilliant. Patriarchy 101' Amnesty UK

'Immersive and accessible' Dazed

'Maya offers both a practical guide and a refreshing perspective on the challenges, barriers, and obstacles facing women today. This is 21st-century feminism in action.' Angela Rayner, MP

The essential guide for women everywhere, The Pocket Guide to the Patriarchy is full to the brim with unbelievable stats, shocking figures and emboldening knowledge to understand and fight the patriarchal systems holding all of us back.

Across the world, women are still denied opportunities and rights. The home remains the most dangerous place for women to be worldwide; with the majority of homicide victims who are women being killed by partners or relatives. In some countries, women who get abortions after they are raped face jail time. Less than 20 per cent of landholders in the world are women. Despite all these truths, many would prefer to blame women. For not demanding a seat at the table. For walking home alone at night. For not working hard enough to overcome the odds that are stacked against them.

In her first fact-filled, inclusive and energising book, Maya Oppenheim supplies you with the unforgettable realities, real-world anecdotes and tales of resistance to help you combat denial and continued injustice as the far-right grows and women's rights come under attack. If yet another rebuttal of patriarchy leaves you lost for words, this book can be pulled out of your pocket.

Utilising her breadth of experience as Women's Correspondent at The Independent - and as the only women's correspondent at a UK news outlet - Maya leaves no stone left unturned and sparks new conversations

Women's Health
Sexual Violence
Criminal Justice System
Sex Work
Policing
Far Right
Abortion Rights

And much more across 22 chapters.

Combining poignant stories with startling evidence, The Pocket Guide to the Patriarchy is a blazing examination of the systems rigged against us and offers a way forward that could prompt sustainable reform and build a better world for us all.

'This book will equip you with the facts, insights, and arguments to fight for total gender equality. Necessary reading for everyone. But most especially for men. Buy it for your next hinge date.' Grace Campbell

'Enormously useful' Selma James, feminist thinker, campaigner and author

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2023

Reviews

[Keith Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise, well-written, essential read that covers a whole range (22 short chapters) of areas in which patriarchal practices are still rife. Ashamed that half the world's population is still having such bigoted opinions and actions impacting them.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isiklikult ei meeldinud raamat, sest kirjeldati laialt tuntud probleeme ning ma ei saanud mitte midagi uut teada. Samas võiks raamat kasulik olla põhikooli või gümnaasiumi õpilastele, et tuua teadvust naistega seotud probleemidele.

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book in the wake of the US election and Donald Trump back in the white house. The Rise of BF movement and de-centering men. The book goes into the hard and brutal facts and stats about feminist issues. In a concise way. Prodmantially focusing on the UK and the impact of the COVID Pandemic. Also adding at end of each chapters positives and negatives in regards to progress of the topic area of the chapter and key helplines and support charities the reader can use if they need in future. Overall a great feminist read :)
Rating overall:
Stars: 4.75
10/9.9

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good coverage of a number of important topics, providing context and supporting stats. A useful summary of issues facing women, also referencing and acknowledging impacts on other marginalised groups. Overall, I found this book interesting and useful, but rated it 3-star rather than 4, as I consider it to be clumsily written and/or badly edited.

[Mrs V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Handed to me by my teenage daughter, she was keen to educate me further.With an open mind, I did so.

Broken down subjects ,easy to read and understand, well written chapters.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is open to reading it.

[Hannah Shoard · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[MeCoco]

Time for a Dutch Edition.

[Rhiannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to all aspects of patriarchy; it would be a good gift for beginner feminists 🎀