Sluts: The Truth About Slutshaming and What We Can Do to Fight It

by Beth Ashley

Whore. Hoe. Jezebel. Harlot. Slut. Five words. One meaning.

But what exactly is a slut? How has the concept changed over time? And why is slutshaming so dangerous?

In this groundbreaking investigation, Beth Ashley reveals the truth about slutshaming, gives us the tools to fight it, and encourages us all to have better conversations about sex.

The fight starts now.

Genres: Nonfiction

Hardcover

Published May 9, 2024

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

"In a world where you can be everything, be a threat"

i enjoyed the book. i think it's great that it touched on issues like how racism and queerphobia can tie into slutshaming.

i do wish that it went a little deeper with the thoughts and also covered more sides than it did. i think a part about asexuality would have also been great, even though it did shortly scratch being called a prude.

[fuggly_muff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened as an audiobook which is really nice as the author discusses her own experiences with slutshaming and her sexuality.

Really liked the intersectionality with classism, race and queerness. Especially enjoyed the discussion around capitalism and its impacts on sex, it prompted me to think more about this and explore other texts that dive further into this.

Other areas that I enjoyed were:
- diving into the history of patriarchy and slut shaming
- the sections giving readers the tools to continuing learning but also teaching others how to call out and call in slut shaming (especially important for younger readers)
- discussion around HIV

Really great in highlighting that throughout history and time women are never having the ‘right’ amount of sex.

Great book, especially for readers who are beginning to both learn and engage in sex. So important to learn that shame has been used to control peoples (especially AFAB) pleasure, sexuality and body autonomy.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first audiobook of the year and what a fascinating place to start.

The history of slutiness was really fascinating. It made me consider a bunch of things I never normally consider. Frances Parr came up again and I particularly found the connection between slutiness and men wanting to project their legacy really interesting. Of course as is often the case, it is capitalism's fault.

I also really enjoyed the exploration of how different aspects of intersectionality affect how we view people's sexuality. Class and race were particularly interesting. The fact that it commented on media portrays (really liked that it referenced Motherland, the show I am currently watching) and it also talked about celebrity culture (the commentary in sex tapes and their legacy felt particularly prevalent).

It intersected research, testimonies and cultural commentary so well.

[Jesse Hof · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And in a world where you can be anything, be a threat."

[Trauermaerchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In times of rising acceptance of right-wing radical ideas, this is such an important book to have access to. The information given is at times quite basic but a really well done starting point for a lot of people; this is scientific communication done right. It makes information from different studies, analysis, etc. accessible from an interesting analytical viewpoint. Especially the inclusion of concepts such as intersectionality and habitus I could see being very helpful.

I will say that I'm probably not the perfect audience for this book – like I said, the majority of information wasn't new to me – but I still got some new information and especially appreciated this book for self reflection purposes. So no matter where you are in your feminist journey, I think most people could get something or other out of this book.

I disagree with some parts of the historical chapter – especially in the analysis of Shakespeare – but then again, the author is allowed her viewpoint just as I am mine. The best way I can describe it is that I think at times the arguments were kind of superficial but this book also doesn't claim to go into a lot of depth in that regard but I do feel that this chapter in particular lacks nuance the author includes in other chapters, even when they didn't go into depth regarding a topic.

Still, I really enjoyed reading this and think it's a great option to pick up to reflect both social concepts of sexuality and how they influence your own.

[Carys · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a book where you just know the author has such a passion for the topic, and this was one of those. It was really interesting to hear about the debates around sluts and the misogyny around the term and women having sex in general. I struggled to take in the message of this book however, whilst I admire its goals.

[Rhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty basic. Would be helpful for younger teens

[Tesni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book needs to be in every secondary school library! It's more surface level than I thought it would be but still an interesting and important read.

[Pia Zak · Rating 2 out of 5]

I fell in love with the Author of the book she seems amazing, however I learned as good as nothing new while reading the book, almost all the things she writes about are basic knowledge..

[pia · Rating 5 out of 5]

wirklich mega und toll aufgearbeitet

[Eloïse van Deutekom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so many important things because of this book

[Jen Hambling · Rating 5 out of 5]

very relevent and thought provoking