Reflecting Men: At Twice Their Natural Size

by Sally Cline and Dale Spender, Dale Spender

Argues that women are brought up to boost men's egos, discusses the psychological differences between men and women, and looks at drug abuse, the obsession with weight loss, and family life

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Gender Studies, Gender

Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though now significantly dated, this book offers a compelling description of that know-it when-you-see-it "male gaze" so often described in feminism. I read this book in law school, and it was a real eye-opener, bringing forth the little things in daily life which -- called out by themselves -- make you seem like a joyless man-hater, but when viewed in the aggregate offer a kind of undeniable reality check on the still-present expectations of happiness, pert listening skills and general availability from women. Worth a look, I promise. It's pretty hard to find, so would be glad to lend it out to eager friends... :)

[Laura Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating and thought provoking book. Whilst some of their arguments are slightly outdated none are irrelevant now, nearly thirty years on.

Covers an area that is rarely talked about and often put as being a bout women being weak, over emotional, or subservient without consideration to why they may act in that way.

Definitely a text that could do a rewrite/reissue as there is a desperate need for this issue to be discussed.

[melis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

this is an early work on and examination of a question whose answer we all know devastatingly too well now.

though a bit too anecdotal at times, cline and spender offer a valid analysis and critique. lesbian feminist analyses and separatist strategies were definitely worth mentioning here. but, alas, they were missing.

by the way, there were some cartoons in the book, by riana duncan. she's the one who drew the well-known cartoon "that's an excellent suggestion miss triggs. perhaps one of the men here would like to make it." i didn't know her name. glad that i found out.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cline and Spender write about the Male Ego, why women spend so much time and energy propping it up, and what happens when we stop. At times a little too reliant on anecdote, but still a very powerful and well written book.

The worst thing about it is that it's twenty years old and still depressingly relevant.

[Sarah Bullard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent, and you can borrow a digital copy for free on the Internet Archive. In my opinion it’s a very basic, concise overview of the many different subtle ways misogyny causes women to shrink ourselves in service of men. It is a great starting point for a feminist reading journey. And it even includes some funny cartoons in the long tradition of breaking up depressing feminist writing with sudden bouts of great humor.

[Lucy Chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was really interesting in the beginning but could’ve been about half the size (ironically). It is definitely dated but quite sad how it is still extremely relavent. Very important to see an unspoken societal rule discussed at length. Felt a bit too anecdotal at times but the later chapters were backed with facts and statistics. Short but stimulating book to start the year off with!

[Briana Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

mm kind of outdated. while i definitely agreed with many of her premises, the supporting evidence felt heuristic and anecdotal. loved the sobriety piece though. makes me think i need more first person essays about women in the 50s/60s getting addicted to the ludes

[Peg Tittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this a long time ago and it's still--more, actually--important.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

a bit out dated now but still applicable in a lot of ways. would read again

[Ayesha Shamsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

kinda drags in the middle
but i liked it overall