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The Periodic Table of Feminism
A cleverly nerdy review of feminist history told through the wide range of women who have shaped it, from Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Oprah to Beyoncé and The Spice Girls.
A quirky, intelligent, and stylish review of the feminist movement, told through the stories of standout figures who have shaped it, The Periodic Table of Feminism charts the impact of female leaders from Betty Friedan and Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Michelle Obama and Oprah.
Using the periodic table as a categorical device, the featured women are divided into "chemical" groups to show how the women and the battles they fought speak to each other across time and
Precious the face of the movements, like Simone De Beauvoir and Gloria Steinem
Pioneers and fire-starters, like Susan B. Anthony and Sheryl Sandberg
The organizers, like Sojourner Truth and Rebecca Solnit
Women working together, like The Spice Girls and The Women's Equality Party
Stabilizers : Pacifists, like Margaret Atwood, Lindy West, and Eve Ensler
Explosives : Radicals, anarchists, and violent uprisers, like Adrienne Rich and Roxane Gay
"I am not a feminist" proclaimers, like Alice Walker and Sarah Jessica Parker
With clever "top 10" lists -- such as Feminists in Fiction, Feminists Before Feminism, Best Women's Marches, and Male Feminists -- plus 120 meme-ready illustrations and inspiring pull quotes, this essential guide to feminism offers courage and inspiration for a new generation.
A quirky, intelligent, and stylish review of the feminist movement, told through the stories of standout figures who have shaped it, The Periodic Table of Feminism charts the impact of female leaders from Betty Friedan and Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Michelle Obama and Oprah.
Using the periodic table as a categorical device, the featured women are divided into "chemical" groups to show how the women and the battles they fought speak to each other across time and
Precious the face of the movements, like Simone De Beauvoir and Gloria Steinem
Pioneers and fire-starters, like Susan B. Anthony and Sheryl Sandberg
The organizers, like Sojourner Truth and Rebecca Solnit
Women working together, like The Spice Girls and The Women's Equality Party
Stabilizers : Pacifists, like Margaret Atwood, Lindy West, and Eve Ensler
Explosives : Radicals, anarchists, and violent uprisers, like Adrienne Rich and Roxane Gay
"I am not a feminist" proclaimers, like Alice Walker and Sarah Jessica Parker
With clever "top 10" lists -- such as Feminists in Fiction, Feminists Before Feminism, Best Women's Marches, and Male Feminists -- plus 120 meme-ready illustrations and inspiring pull quotes, this essential guide to feminism offers courage and inspiration for a new generation.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published October 16, 2018
68 people are currently reading
1479 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 19, 2020
This started off really well and ended up being somewhat disappointing.
Positives:
- Many topics and eras covered in a compact book
- Has stories of feminism from around the world, as opposed to just British or American feminist movements with is what I'm used to
- Highlighted that in the risings of feminism, a lot of it was 'white' feminism and does point ou that some of the pioneers of feminism were not advocating for all women
- Had a lot of British and American feminists that I hadn't previously heard of, alongside the most popular faces of the movement
- Nice format, very pretty and easy to read
- Nice wlw representation, a lot of lesbian feminists involved in this book
Negatives:
- Still very Western and white, especially lacking on the Asian feminism front in my opinion. There were less than a handful of Asian women in this book
- Hails women like Hillary Clinton, Lena Dunham and Germain Greer as some sort of revolutionary feminists while ignoring everything hypocritical or downright wrong they're done (ie war crimes, sexual assault, covert racism etc etc)
- Trans exclusionary parts about people with vaginas = feminists. Not only excludes trans and non-binary people but diverts away from the idea that men/penis having individuals are involved in the movement (which it spent half the book trying to tell us?)
This book had immense potential to be more diverse and inclusive but failed. Considering it put a lot of emphasis on diversity and intersectional feminism many of the passages and women used in this book contradicted this message. Of all the amazing people whose actions could have been chosen to highlight the progression in feminism / human rights some of the choices were bizarre.
Positives:
- Many topics and eras covered in a compact book
- Has stories of feminism from around the world, as opposed to just British or American feminist movements with is what I'm used to
- Highlighted that in the risings of feminism, a lot of it was 'white' feminism and does point ou that some of the pioneers of feminism were not advocating for all women
- Had a lot of British and American feminists that I hadn't previously heard of, alongside the most popular faces of the movement
- Nice format, very pretty and easy to read
- Nice wlw representation, a lot of lesbian feminists involved in this book
Negatives:
- Still very Western and white, especially lacking on the Asian feminism front in my opinion. There were less than a handful of Asian women in this book
- Hails women like Hillary Clinton, Lena Dunham and Germain Greer as some sort of revolutionary feminists while ignoring everything hypocritical or downright wrong they're done (ie war crimes, sexual assault, covert racism etc etc)
- Trans exclusionary parts about people with vaginas = feminists. Not only excludes trans and non-binary people but diverts away from the idea that men/penis having individuals are involved in the movement (which it spent half the book trying to tell us?)
This book had immense potential to be more diverse and inclusive but failed. Considering it put a lot of emphasis on diversity and intersectional feminism many of the passages and women used in this book contradicted this message. Of all the amazing people whose actions could have been chosen to highlight the progression in feminism / human rights some of the choices were bizarre.
May 11, 2023
A nice introduction to feminist icons, this book was filled with short biographies (and extremely tiny print!) from colonial times to the present. It was a well-organized stepping-off point for further reading and would make a suitable pocket-reference for anyone beginning a journey into the evolution of feminism (mostly in America and the UK).
June 14, 2021
3.25|5
Dark times for feminism when we have Dunham as a feminist icon *sight*
Still, there's some good stuff in here. I was introduced to some women I'd like to know more about and the organization was good.
Would I recommend this even to a teenager that hears about the feminism for the first time? I'm not so sure (at most borrow it from the library or a friend).
Dark times for feminism when we have Dunham as a feminist icon *sight*
Still, there's some good stuff in here. I was introduced to some women I'd like to know more about and the organization was good.
Would I recommend this even to a teenager that hears about the feminism for the first time? I'm not so sure (at most borrow it from the library or a friend).
July 29, 2018
A bit annoying that there were so many careless mistakes in the texts and the book was very US-centric, but it was not a bad book.
November 9, 2019
good introduction/ guide/ starting point. good, but could've been great.
December 30, 2022
I love the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls books (except that the title has “girls” in it, unnecessarily), and this compact book about women in feminist history felt like that to me, but the intended audience is definitely adults. It was really fun to read and learn about the standard heroes of feminism and a lot of new names to me. The periodic table concept here is a little loosey-goosey for this science nerd, but I appreciate and understand the intent. The 100+ women/groups here are grouped into the 4 waves of feminism and then into similar “substances,” like Catalyzers, Conductors, and Stabilizers. Peppered throughout the short bios, you will find black and white illustrations and quotes, which helps break things up. I think the author put in a concerted effort to include a diverse selection of women and note when their views have been since rejected or challenged. It’s a nice gifty book for the feminist science lover in your life.
June 20, 2019
When I finished reading Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's We Should All be Feminists, I was in a mood to rant. And I did, over here
I thought the same would happen after this book; however, I was in for a surprise. Marisa Bate presents a table akin to that of the elements of chemistry. In this she mentions the name of a feminist and a brief profile of her work. Interestingly, the chosen female is one who has impacted the society, so the final list comprises of women who might not be very famous, but have significant work to their credit.
Although the write-ups on the individual authors are short, they are nevertheless a revelation. There have been feminists around us from as early as 14th century and have fought for their rights right from the 16th century
5 centuries- makes you wonder if 500 years have not been enough for us to be recognized and respected, what will. The struggle has come in waves; we are currently onto the fourth wave, and with each wave, a particular subject more relevant to that time has been addressed.
Now I come from a fairly liberal family that doesn't discriminate between the sexes. That said, there has been cause for friction when my gender has come in the way of doing certain things. And while I may or may not have my way, there a niggling feeling every time in my mind that makes me question if I am crossing a line, so deep rooted is the submissiveness. To know that women from centuries ago shared the same ideologies as me gives me the strength to do away with the suspicions I harbor. Courage is what the women had in abundance and courage is what I shall need too, for even now, it is still a swim against the flow
P.S. Bate has made it a point to mention the sexual orientation of the women, and there was quite a high percentage of lesbians. Now it makes sense, considering the fight of women has also revolved around sexual freedom and identity, but it feels too much of a happy coincidence. Thoughts?
I thought the same would happen after this book; however, I was in for a surprise. Marisa Bate presents a table akin to that of the elements of chemistry. In this she mentions the name of a feminist and a brief profile of her work. Interestingly, the chosen female is one who has impacted the society, so the final list comprises of women who might not be very famous, but have significant work to their credit.
Although the write-ups on the individual authors are short, they are nevertheless a revelation. There have been feminists around us from as early as 14th century and have fought for their rights right from the 16th century
5 centuries- makes you wonder if 500 years have not been enough for us to be recognized and respected, what will. The struggle has come in waves; we are currently onto the fourth wave, and with each wave, a particular subject more relevant to that time has been addressed.
Now I come from a fairly liberal family that doesn't discriminate between the sexes. That said, there has been cause for friction when my gender has come in the way of doing certain things. And while I may or may not have my way, there a niggling feeling every time in my mind that makes me question if I am crossing a line, so deep rooted is the submissiveness. To know that women from centuries ago shared the same ideologies as me gives me the strength to do away with the suspicions I harbor. Courage is what the women had in abundance and courage is what I shall need too, for even now, it is still a swim against the flow
P.S. Bate has made it a point to mention the sexual orientation of the women, and there was quite a high percentage of lesbians. Now it makes sense, considering the fight of women has also revolved around sexual freedom and identity, but it feels too much of a happy coincidence. Thoughts?
July 16, 2023
Just like the Periodic Table of Elements categorises elements and places them into groups, this book profiles several feminists and places them into categories depending on their nature and impact of work. Those of us who know and understand the four waves of feminism can now appreciate how within each wave, there were various kinds of feminists and it is the collective effort of all that brought us where we are.
The author clarifies that to me included in the book, the person should have set out to do something for women, and that went who merely inspired by shining in another field are excluded. That said, the list still leaves out many prominent feminists, especially from the developing countries. I can think of names of Indian women in each of the categories who have been left out, but that too is the beauty of the Periodic Table- it will never be complete.
A book I'd recommend as a primer to anyone wanting to learn about feminism.
The author clarifies that to me included in the book, the person should have set out to do something for women, and that went who merely inspired by shining in another field are excluded. That said, the list still leaves out many prominent feminists, especially from the developing countries. I can think of names of Indian women in each of the categories who have been left out, but that too is the beauty of the Periodic Table- it will never be complete.
A book I'd recommend as a primer to anyone wanting to learn about feminism.
December 10, 2018
This fun and unique book features dozens of feminists by dividing them into "chemical" groups like the periodic table. For example, the catalysts section features "pioneers and fire-starters," like Susan B. Anthony and Sheryl Sandberg and the explosives section features "radicals and anarchists" like Adrienne Rich and Roxane Gay. As the book progresses from members of the First Wave through the Fourth Wave, a reader can follow the many paths, focal points, and theories that lie beneath the wider umbrella of feminism. This book obviously cannot cover every aspect of feminism but it offers lots of information...all in under 200 pages. Its small size makes it the perfect addition to your travel bag or purse. It is ideal for reading snippets and sections here or there as time allows or you could probably devour it in a single sitting. My reading fell somewhere in between because I found myself researching women and topics I hadn't heard about before like publishing pioneer Barbara Smith or rebellious priest Una Kroll. A definite "must have" if you want to know more about the main players in the feminist movements.
April 19, 2020
A great start to feminist reading.
I would personally describe myself as a feminist and try to be an advocate for all. There were big names mentioned in this book along with names that I'd never heard of.
A brief description of many amazing women (and a few men) throughout history and the present day.
Take insight from the book, not answers. Continue to do your own research (a reading list at the back with some great pieces listed).
A lot of the feminists mentioned are mainly from the UK/USA but this periodic table can be built on and you can shout about the great works of others yourself. No book will be able to mention everyone but this has a good start.
I would personally describe myself as a feminist and try to be an advocate for all. There were big names mentioned in this book along with names that I'd never heard of.
A brief description of many amazing women (and a few men) throughout history and the present day.
Take insight from the book, not answers. Continue to do your own research (a reading list at the back with some great pieces listed).
A lot of the feminists mentioned are mainly from the UK/USA but this periodic table can be built on and you can shout about the great works of others yourself. No book will be able to mention everyone but this has a good start.
May 10, 2018
I love reading books about feminism. There were lots of feminists in this book that I didn’t know about and I’d love to find more about them. There were people who I wish she mentioned, but she explained that she can’t include everyone. I hope there will be a book about women who are not famous, but showcase feminist (without profiting). Feminism is the trendy thing. Which is good and bad at the same time. Though if it opens conversation about women’s rights. Awesome. The fight isn’t over, especially in the third world countries.
November 27, 2022
This collection of short life stories of known and not-so well-known feminists from history is a quick but enlightening read, which is why I picked it up for the 24-hour readathon that I hosted towards the end of January. I learned of women who I hadn’t known about before, about their fights, about how they took those brave steps forward for the betterment of womanhood as a whole. Even though you won’t get their full stories in this book, it’s a good place to start reading about feminist icons.
(Taken from my January wrap up on my blog, themelodramaticbookworm.com.)
(Taken from my January wrap up on my blog, themelodramaticbookworm.com.)
May 26, 2019
What a wonderful repository of the key milestones and influencers of the women's rights movement. Must have been tough putting it together, given the width available, but also given how complex these narratives usually are. Marisa has managed to bring simplicity and nuance both, to her retelling of the movement. So we know who the heroes were but we also know they were flawed and that their ideas has limitations. That's her skill as the reporter and story teller.
But the actual story, that itself is worth picking this book up for. The stories of all the brave, far-seeing women who risked life and limb to fight for the freedoms we take for granted today. The story of those who having won the fundamental freedoms, picked the gauntlet and said, ok so we can vote now, but can we work, do we have respect and dignity? Let's do that then. Of those who challenged these and brought new voices to the struggle, and finally of those who are working hard even today, to make this world a more equitable place.
It's a wonderful collection of stories. Read it once, and come back to it again and again, when something needs refreshing. It's a book that keeps on giving.
But the actual story, that itself is worth picking this book up for. The stories of all the brave, far-seeing women who risked life and limb to fight for the freedoms we take for granted today. The story of those who having won the fundamental freedoms, picked the gauntlet and said, ok so we can vote now, but can we work, do we have respect and dignity? Let's do that then. Of those who challenged these and brought new voices to the struggle, and finally of those who are working hard even today, to make this world a more equitable place.
It's a wonderful collection of stories. Read it once, and come back to it again and again, when something needs refreshing. It's a book that keeps on giving.
October 21, 2023
I like the idea of the book, but the execution is lacking. It would have been nice if the book offered more background/guidance on the feminist movement, rather than simply introducing 101 women (mostly white women).
January 15, 2019
3.5 stars
Very interesting mini-bios of women you have and haven't heard of. Also (and this didn't affect my rating; just wanted to mention it) the font size in this book is ridiculously small!
Very interesting mini-bios of women you have and haven't heard of. Also (and this didn't affect my rating; just wanted to mention it) the font size in this book is ridiculously small!
April 11, 2020
We should all be feminists. And we should all read this book.
September 29, 2021
Moi bonito visualmente pero bueno, sin máis.
Mulleres relevantes ≠ mulleres feministas.
Mulleres relevantes ≠ mulleres feministas.
April 7, 2018
Oh how i loved the history is all this! Definitly recommend if you love feminism, history or the suffragetes. This helped me a lot in my research! Also, the cover is genius and stunning! I've never been such a chemistry nerd (like never) but this just attracted me so much!
September 15, 2021
I don't usually read non-fiction, but i picked this up thanks to a recommendation. It talks about various feminists and feminist groups from the beginning of the movement until contemporary times. It was insightful, interesting and inspiration but flawed with many writing mistakes.
November 22, 2021
‘After all, we know that behind every great man there is a great woman, but what we should remember is that behind every great woman, there’s at least a dozen more’
What I liked about this book:
1. Very simple and easy to read format. For someone like me that despises non-fiction books, this was extremely helpful. The structure also scratched my brain just right.
2. The artwork was super cute.
3. It covered a lot of periods and included famous as well as lesser known feminists. I definitely felt more knowledgable coming out of reading this.
What I didn’t like about this book:
1. Way too American. Like overly American to the point it was distracting. I really wish it had discussed more Asian, African, Southern American and Eastern European feminists.
2. The amount of typos and just incorrect grammar. Did anyone even proof read this?
3. The recommendation of ‘feminists’ like Germaine Greer. Hated that. Also it mentioned Rowling at one point. Don’t do that please.
4. A very specific pet peeve of mine - a lot of the ‘feminist’ fictional characters just simply aren’t feminist or represent anything to do with the movement or made that big of an impact for young girls growing up. No Katniss Everdeen or Hermione Granger or Daenerys Targaryen or Natasha Romanoff or Annabeth Chase. Do better on the fictional character front next time please.
What I liked about this book:
1. Very simple and easy to read format. For someone like me that despises non-fiction books, this was extremely helpful. The structure also scratched my brain just right.
2. The artwork was super cute.
3. It covered a lot of periods and included famous as well as lesser known feminists. I definitely felt more knowledgable coming out of reading this.
What I didn’t like about this book:
1. Way too American. Like overly American to the point it was distracting. I really wish it had discussed more Asian, African, Southern American and Eastern European feminists.
2. The amount of typos and just incorrect grammar. Did anyone even proof read this?
3. The recommendation of ‘feminists’ like Germaine Greer. Hated that. Also it mentioned Rowling at one point. Don’t do that please.
4. A very specific pet peeve of mine - a lot of the ‘feminist’ fictional characters just simply aren’t feminist or represent anything to do with the movement or made that big of an impact for young girls growing up. No Katniss Everdeen or Hermione Granger or Daenerys Targaryen or Natasha Romanoff or Annabeth Chase. Do better on the fictional character front next time please.
May 28, 2024
"Feminism is a feeling in your gut, in your chest, in your eyes when they sting with hot tears or in your quivering voice in a moment of courage. It's a drive, an energy, a constructive anger, an expression of hope for change...We must know these stories because they are part of our stories, too- they inform us of where we've been and how we got where we are today"
Going beyond the accidental but memorable feminist icons, this book uses the periodic table as inspiration to group (by wave and their approach) and tell the stories of sometimes forgotten or overlooked women who had the deliberate intention to help and support other women. It's been one of my favourite feminist compilations I've read and I find it so important to continuously educate ourselves and find inspiration from these women as we wouldn't be where we are today without them, even if we still have a long way to go.
What these women have done and continue to do is real history that MUST be remembered, talked about, grieved and celebrated. Each wave of feminism is different and significant in its own way. Immense progress exists and despite it all, there are an abundance of issues that still need to be addressed. Highlighting the fourth and current wave, the author writes that when it began, "these issues weren't new but some were openly discussed for the first time or supported". Said issues being "representation in places of power, intersectionality, transgender rights, reproductive rights, violence against women, supporting refugee women, empowerment, giving women tools to sustain economic independence, the adoption of paternity leave and equality in the workplace, sexual assault on college and university campuses, gender fluidity, climate change" and off the page the list goes on.
Keep reading, keep talking, keep sharing and stay intersectional!
Going beyond the accidental but memorable feminist icons, this book uses the periodic table as inspiration to group (by wave and their approach) and tell the stories of sometimes forgotten or overlooked women who had the deliberate intention to help and support other women. It's been one of my favourite feminist compilations I've read and I find it so important to continuously educate ourselves and find inspiration from these women as we wouldn't be where we are today without them, even if we still have a long way to go.
What these women have done and continue to do is real history that MUST be remembered, talked about, grieved and celebrated. Each wave of feminism is different and significant in its own way. Immense progress exists and despite it all, there are an abundance of issues that still need to be addressed. Highlighting the fourth and current wave, the author writes that when it began, "these issues weren't new but some were openly discussed for the first time or supported". Said issues being "representation in places of power, intersectionality, transgender rights, reproductive rights, violence against women, supporting refugee women, empowerment, giving women tools to sustain economic independence, the adoption of paternity leave and equality in the workplace, sexual assault on college and university campuses, gender fluidity, climate change" and off the page the list goes on.
Keep reading, keep talking, keep sharing and stay intersectional!
November 7, 2020
"The Periodic Table of Feminism" is a good place to start for those who are just beginning to read about this particular topic. It's basically a collection of mini-bios for many an influential feminist, categorised by the four different "waves" of feminism. It's short, sweet, and really informative.
Nevertheless, it must be said that it's mainly for beginners --it's very white-centric (mainly focusing on Western feminists), and even includes controversial figures like Hillary Clinton or Lena Dunham (the author does mention their controversies very briefly, but still). It definitely could have been more comprehensive, but again; it's a good place to start. What's not as forgivable, though, is the amount of spelling mistakes present in the book; it definitely could have used a better editor!
I don't want to sound too negative, though. I really enjoyed reading "The Periodic Table of Feminism". And it actually made me curious about doing further reading about this topic --researching many of the authors present in the book, and getting more information about the way feminism has evolved through the years... even beginning in the 18th century! So once again; as a starting point for your research about feminism, "The Periodic Table of Feminism" is definitely a great option.
Nevertheless, it must be said that it's mainly for beginners --it's very white-centric (mainly focusing on Western feminists), and even includes controversial figures like Hillary Clinton or Lena Dunham (the author does mention their controversies very briefly, but still). It definitely could have been more comprehensive, but again; it's a good place to start. What's not as forgivable, though, is the amount of spelling mistakes present in the book; it definitely could have used a better editor!
I don't want to sound too negative, though. I really enjoyed reading "The Periodic Table of Feminism". And it actually made me curious about doing further reading about this topic --researching many of the authors present in the book, and getting more information about the way feminism has evolved through the years... even beginning in the 18th century! So once again; as a starting point for your research about feminism, "The Periodic Table of Feminism" is definitely a great option.
November 26, 2021
I'll admit, I initially bought it because the design is pretty and interesting (and because it was on sale) but I'm kind of glad I did. If you've recently gotten into Gender Studies or are looking to know more about those who have worked for the cause of feminism, then this book is a good starting point. I won't call it the best guide, but it still counts. I got to know about many women who worked tirelessly for the cause and names I had not heard otherwise and never would have. There's even a short list of male allies at the end which was unexpected but not at all bad. There's a nice long list of all the material for further reading at the end which I appreciate very much. Although I do question the selection of some people in the book, I'm not gonna name them as other people already have.
I like the design, the way information has been disseminated and presented, the illustrations and the way the periodic table has been laid out (not a chemistry fan, but I am sure folks will appreciate it). The typos kind of ruined it at some points tbh. Selection of some figures was questionable and it's really white and US-centric.
Not a bad book but not exceptionally good either but cannot be completely disregarded as an effort was made. 3.5 stars.
I like the design, the way information has been disseminated and presented, the illustrations and the way the periodic table has been laid out (not a chemistry fan, but I am sure folks will appreciate it). The typos kind of ruined it at some points tbh. Selection of some figures was questionable and it's really white and US-centric.
Not a bad book but not exceptionally good either but cannot be completely disregarded as an effort was made. 3.5 stars.
August 11, 2018
The book is overall good. As the author often points out there’s no space for the women partaking in this movement. Nonetheless, the women whose stories have been told in the book are (mostly) accurate and, in my opinion, the right ones. There are many references to the publications and activities undertaken by the various women inserted in the book and it is amazing, one could spend months reading all the essays, poems, articles and books cited in here. Which is amazing tbf.
Although, the book lacks a proofreader. As others before me have pointed out, I have found a good number of spelling and grammatical errors. Not to mention the captions frequently lacking the entire information about the women pictured on the side.
Is much recommended to anyone who is a bit ignorant about feminism, or better, the women who fuel this movement. Also, it could be good to anyone undertaking a research about feminism and its “sub”-movements. I can tell you it was extremely valuable piece of literature to sustain my undergraduate music project about women in the music industry.
Although, the book lacks a proofreader. As others before me have pointed out, I have found a good number of spelling and grammatical errors. Not to mention the captions frequently lacking the entire information about the women pictured on the side.
Is much recommended to anyone who is a bit ignorant about feminism, or better, the women who fuel this movement. Also, it could be good to anyone undertaking a research about feminism and its “sub”-movements. I can tell you it was extremely valuable piece of literature to sustain my undergraduate music project about women in the music industry.
November 4, 2019
The Periodic Table of Feminism by Marisa Bate was a great summary of the journey feminism has taken up to this point. I loved how this was broken into a periodic table, as an engineer this made so much sense to me! Bate broke down the feminists by wave and type. There are four waves that the feminists are broken into, this depended on date as well as what they were fighting for. The different types of feminists included: precious metals, catalysts, conductors, diatomic, stabilizers, and explosives. The types are described in the table. As someone who is just starting to learn more about the history of feminism, this is a great starting point to learn more. Bate introduces you to the main players that have fought for equality throughout the ages and around the world. She wrote a short summary of each feminist explaining why they are important to feminism. I now have so much more reading to do! Everyone should read this if they want to get an overall summary of feminists and what they were fighting for.
August 16, 2020
This book is a quintessential feminist non-fiction read. Presenting the four waves of feminism through notable figures involved with each movement, "The Periodic Table of Feminism" is a compact, easy-to-follow reference guide, arranged chronologically and highlighting the achievements and trials of women who fought for the rights and privileges that many of us (arguably) take for granted today. It is a great starting point for those interested in the history of feminism as a movement, starting from "proto-feminists", moving through the four 'waves', before finishing with some notable male allies to the feminist cause. What I especially enjoyed was the arrangement of historical figures according to the periodic table of elements - where each woman chosen may not necessarily be well-known in mainstream circles, but undoubtedly contributed a crucial part to the movement as a whole.
It is important to note, however, that the book is still very US-centered, predominantly highlighting the achievements of white women over those of color. In terms of diversity, author Marissa Bate did include LGBT+ representation, but non-caucasians were far and few between. This may due to the fact that the first and second waves focused heavily on the white, middle to upper class female experience, as the third and fourth waves, with their focus on intersectionality, were a lot more inclusive. Additionally, I was surprised to see figures such as Lena Dunham and Germain Greer included, without a more critical eye applied to their indiscretions.
Overall, an informative read and necessary addition to any feminist bookshelf!
It is important to note, however, that the book is still very US-centered, predominantly highlighting the achievements of white women over those of color. In terms of diversity, author Marissa Bate did include LGBT+ representation, but non-caucasians were far and few between. This may due to the fact that the first and second waves focused heavily on the white, middle to upper class female experience, as the third and fourth waves, with their focus on intersectionality, were a lot more inclusive. Additionally, I was surprised to see figures such as Lena Dunham and Germain Greer included, without a more critical eye applied to their indiscretions.
Overall, an informative read and necessary addition to any feminist bookshelf!
February 15, 2019
Oh my goodness!! This book is simply amazing. It is divided in four chapters, always listing important characters throughout the history of feminism. I like that they listed as many personalities as possible, keeping the information short, so you can always decide to look them up. You don't get to know too much about the women in the book, but I like it way, because that way I decide to pick those who piqued my interest the most and then google them or purchase books and essays by them. Anyway, a great book and easy to follow. Definitely not a dry read, because, unfortunately, I have already read some books on feminism which were really dry to read and hard to finish. This book is neither dry nor hard to finish. Great book. Especially for people who are new to the topic of feminism and want to get to know a few important represantatives right away.
December 12, 2021
These kind of list books kind of go in one ear out the other, but it did offer a nice simple insight into the different waves of feminism and found myself more engaged when we got to the third and fourth wave. So in that sense a nice introduction to the range of people who've played a part in the feminist movement with attention to intersectionality.
Not only does this book include feminists from all around the world, it also gives some attention to male feminists, to non-binary and trans issues and to sexual orientation. Aside from that it also mentions some of the criticism that has been leveled against certain of the feminist figures mentioned, for example when their feminism has been shown to not be very intersectional.
I believe this was sometimes missing, but that can probably be linked back to the publication date.
Not only does this book include feminists from all around the world, it also gives some attention to male feminists, to non-binary and trans issues and to sexual orientation. Aside from that it also mentions some of the criticism that has been leveled against certain of the feminist figures mentioned, for example when their feminism has been shown to not be very intersectional.
I believe this was sometimes missing, but that can probably be linked back to the publication date.
October 4, 2022
Wow, ok this was a lot of information… the author gives you an overview of the most important people in the world of feminism and how feminism even came to exist/help women. I liked the way it was structured and written and how by the end I felt a lot more informed. Though it took me a while to get through this book, because it’s not a typical book that you can just continue reading. I will probably never know all of the names/groups that were mentioned in the book, but I’ll definitely recognise some if they are ever mentioned elsewhere.
Would I recommend this? Hell yeah. Would I try to read this in one go? Definitely not. Maybe read about a few people each night before bed.
Nevertheless this was really interesting and a great overview about feminism (especially the US, since it focuses mainly on the US after the Second Wave).
Would I recommend this? Hell yeah. Would I try to read this in one go? Definitely not. Maybe read about a few people each night before bed.
Nevertheless this was really interesting and a great overview about feminism (especially the US, since it focuses mainly on the US after the Second Wave).
January 5, 2021
This book was a very interesting read. I heard from a lot of the mentioned women for the first time (mainly first and second wave). There were a lot stories where I would have hoped for a little longer chapter. The only thing I didn't like was the writing style. In my opinion there was a great selection of people and their accomplishments but the writing style didn't do them justice.
I also would have expected to read more about technological accomplishments and how much of a relief they were to women, but that mistake is on my part because that's not what the book promised.
If anyone had any suggestions of books mentioning the technological progress of the last centuries contributing to feminism and the drive for equal opportunities in general, I would very much appreciate it :)
I also would have expected to read more about technological accomplishments and how much of a relief they were to women, but that mistake is on my part because that's not what the book promised.
If anyone had any suggestions of books mentioning the technological progress of the last centuries contributing to feminism and the drive for equal opportunities in general, I would very much appreciate it :)
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