Misogyny: The New Activism

by Gail Ukockis

New aspects of the misogyny that impacts girls and women worldwide continue to emerge every day. However, recent movements (e.g., #MeToo, Time's Up, the Women's March) indicate a strong hunger for a meaningful resource for thoughtful activists. Impassioned but practical, this book discusses the social contexts of misogyny, such as toxic masculinity and rape culture. It traces the history of misogyny and considers its meaning today-what is new and what is old. The author also proposes strategies for effective feminist action. Written for advocates of gender equality who are already aware of misogyny, the book includes Action Steps as tools for activism on both the individual and political levels. Misogyny is a timely text that offers concrete guidance as we strive for the egalitarian society that, despite all setbacks, we are capable of achieving.

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction, Womens

336 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2019

Reviews

[Kayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

The organization of this book was logical, but each section was disconnected. There is no larger message to take away from this book. There is also a lot of problematic statements within this book.

For instance, they/them pronouns are completely valid are nothing new. They are not a trend. Additionally, there are non-binary and trans folks who need access to reproductive healthcare. Not just cis women.

There is a way to discuss misogyny that also brings in men as allies. Not saying we should not clock them on their BS, but we also should highlight how toxic masculinity also hinders them.

[Mele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wished it was longer and more in-depth in lots of places cause I could read about this shit all night, appreciated the notes being at the end of the chapter instead of the end of the book, and really enjoyed her writing style.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. This is a textbook that needs some really serious fact checking. I mean really serious fact checking. And editing.

For example: (p.78) the Rolling Stone article about rape. Rolling Stone retracted the article after it was discovered that the source was unreliable and making things up. They didn't fact check that story. And haven't fact checked other stories. It's been failing on the journalist front for a while now. The author does say that Rolling Stone did retract the story but doesn't mention that the source lied and that the publication has a history of not fact checking. Even though false rape allegations are only between 2-10% of all rape allegations, those false allegations make it more difficult for rape victims to report their rape and be taken seriously.

Elliot Rodgers. The author kept mixing up dates and didn't include the fact that he went after white women because he believed they rejected him for being biracial.

In Box 5.1 in Chapter 5 about Toxic Masculinity, she ignore parts of the conversation that demonstrate toxic masculinity and focuses on how these two men are pro-gay and women. She ignores the red flags for two tiny steps forward in other areas.

There are more examples but I had to stop reading.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a new father to a daughter, and a relatively new husband, I figured it would be beneficial to read about what misogyny women have gone through. I was underwhelmed by the book, as the concepts spoken of were generally too brief or baseline. My eyes were opened to some of the darker side of how women have been treated. But for the most part, I had heard of the things she talked about. This made the book worth spending some time with, but I will not be going back to it.