I received an advance copy of this book. In For the Love of Women, Dorothy Littell Greco brings her signature style to a critically important and tragically timely topic. I view this new book as required reading for our times, wherein the many significant signs of women’s progress can readily mask the fact that misogyny is still very much alive in our culture. Dorothy removes the mask.
As in her previous books, Ms. Littell Greco bravely and transparently shares her own journey, and she powerfully portrays the experiences of many other women. She also documents her research with scholarship worthy of academic praise (over 450 references), but she does so with the skill and passion of an accomplished storyteller—enabling the reader to experience the depth and scope of the relevant issues.
Misogyny literally means “hatred toward women.” However, Dorothy is careful to base her approach on a reasoned, comprehensive definition: “A persistent, insidious belief that men’s ideas, wants, needs, and experiences are more important than women’s and that legal, religious, and social systems, as well as intimate relationships, should uphold this principle. This belief system subsequently influences the laws, policies, practices, and ethos of a given culture.”
She then presents evidence for the validity of her perspective by exposing misogyny’s influence in healthcare, the workplace, the government, media and entertainment, sexual relationships, and—perhaps most appallingly—within the Church. Thereafter, she also offers constructive thoughts on healing these wounds and on eradicating this systemic evil against women—a daunting but absolutely essential task. In doing so, she offers genuine hope for a better tomorrow, for women and for men, who are both harmed by misogyny’s far-reaching effects. I pray that many will not only read this book but will also share it, and more importantly, act on it—for the love of women.
Jeff Bjorck, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor of Psychology
Retired Licensed Psychologist (PSY13408 inactive)
Fuller Theological Seminary
School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy