Reclaiming the F Word: The New Feminist Movement [Paperback]

This fascinating book examines the state of feminism today and looks at the aims of feminism in the 21st century. It is written in an easy approachable style which does not detract from the importance of its subject matter. The media constantly produces articles suggesting there is no need for feminism today as all the battles have been won; there is no need to hold marches or protest meetings to lament the way women are treated in society today.

But the book demonstrates that this is very far from being the case by analysing the results of a survey and by quoting examples from the lives of ordinary people. It does not neglect the effect of rigid gender stereotypes on men either and frequently highlights examples of stereotypes curtailing the choices men make about their lives. The authors show that feminism is still alive and kicking in the 21st century and is redefining itself constantly to meet new challenges. As other recent books have shown legislation has corrected many imbalances between men and women but legislation cannot alter people's opinions. Feminism today needs to meet the challenges of a much more subtle form of discrimination which because it is subtle and frequently hidden is very difficult to expose and challenge.

The book examines seven possible aims for feminism today:
* Liberated bodies
* Sexual freedom and choice
* An end to violence against women
* Equality at work and at home
* Politics and religion transformed
* Popular culture free from sexism
* Feminism reclaimed
The authors then proceed to examine each of these areas in turn to demonstrate what needs to change if men and women are to play an equal part in society, culture, work, home, politics and religion today. They show how the media and popular culture serve to perpetuate gender stereotypes - both for men and women - especially by using humour and irony which are virtually impossible to challenge in any sort of meaningful way.

A great many research studies are quoted as well as blogs, websites, feminist groups and books. There are notes for each chapter and a section containing further reading suggestions under the chapter headings; there is also an index. Anyone wanting to understand how feminism is organised today and whether it is relevant to them in their personal situation would do well to start with this book as it provides details of so many other avenues to explore - both in the real and the virtual world. If you have read and enjoyed these books Living Dolls: The Return of Sexism, The Equality Illusion: The Truth about Women and Men Today then you will find this book equally relevant and interesting.

Feminism has something of an image problem these days. Many people have visions of feminism and feminists which grew from it's heyday in the 1970s. Still more people are left wondering what being a feminist means in 2010. If like me you have long had a sense of unease about the roles and images of women in modern culture but were unable to find anything worth getting really worked up about then this book will change all that.

The author starts with a somewhat historical introduction of the roots of feminism and its effects on the world to the present day. She then sets out a list of aims and objectives for the future. Each subsequent chapter is based around one of those aims with a thorough description of the problem in readable way that everyone can relate to followed by a practical approach to solving it.

This book is infuriating largely because it's insightful. I think it would be difficult for anyone to read this and not feel a sense of the frustration felt by the author. On the other hand she refuses to wallow in the problems and is keen to generate a new spirit of positive feminism. She does it very well and the book is a very good read at the same time.

Feminism has something of a tarnished image in today's world. When most people say feminist they think of a hostile woman burning bras and shouting at random men. That's probably why they're figures of fun in today's media (I'm thinking of American Dad's Haley - yeah I'm a bloke, I watch cartoons, I know). This book sets out to convince young people (not just women) that feminism is important and that the issues women were fighting for 40 years ago are still being fought today, despite progress.

Clearly the playing field has changed a bit in the 21st century with nobody allowed Mad Men style antics anywhere but then the case is put forth that a lot of this subjugation is subtle and still present.

Men and women are perceived as equal but women are often paid less in jobs. There are fewer women in upper management jobs and fewer women politicians. There is still violence against women and certain religions still treat women as slaves. The objectification of women's bodies to sell products is rampant.

The book does away with the negative image of feminists, instead asking the reader to focus on what the movement was about, the issues at hand. The stereotypes of women (and men) in the media are challenged and each chapter ends with things the reader can do to change his or her life for the better of women everywhere (think globally, act locally, etc).

It's an interesting examination of the state of contemporary feminism through the eyes of nearly two thousands feminists today. It's easy to read and quick as well at a brisk 220 pages.It's a fascinating, well written book on a political movement that needs to be renewed.