Rate this book

Living Dolls: The Return Of Sexism (2008)

by Natasha Walter(Favorite Author)

3.9 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

1844084841 (ISBN13: 9781844084845)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Virago Press (UK)

review 1: Well-researched book with a compelling argument. The first part (the New Sexism) is a bit repetitive at parts, and the author's points are stretched a bit too far from the testimonies/evidence included. The New Determinist section is very well-handled, thought-provoking and even entertaining (if you don't end up furious about the state of affairs the author presents). Great read alongside the scientific perspective from 'The Myth of Mars and Venus' (Deborah Cameron) and 'Delusions of gender' (Cordelia Fine).
review 2: This book is about challenging perceptions, addressing gender differences and earmarking ways in which feminism can continue to grow in modern British society. The book is split into two chapters - the first, which looks back at stereotypical wome... moren's roles, such as homemaking, alongside so-called empowering career decisions, such as the act of selling one's body for money, whether this be through pole dancing or prostitution. I found the first half of the book easier to digest, mainly because we were not exploring new territory, merely reciting past struggles and issues which have plagued feminism since the early twentieth century. The book begins by looking at appearances, and society's obsession with youth, exaggerated sex appeal and the such like. The author explores this area well, clearly with a lot of research, and draws close attention to how media influences young women. The author has met with women of all ages, and some young girls, with the aim of discovering how society and the media makes them feel - with great emphasis placed upon the appearance of the individual. If you do not have a tiny waist, long straight hair and blemish free skin, then you are not worth knowing, is the general consensus. Common sense says all women know these issues, even subconsciously, however the author manages to inform and educate the reader on these issues from a different angle. I had never consciously thought about how Bratz dolls influenced a female child's perspective on appearance. Although a great deal of the book comes back to the way women look - and how they are judged in society because of this - I found the areas focusing on career development, and women in the workplace, to be the most interesting. Pay gaps and sexual bullying are touched upon, rightly so. I am glad the author did not neglect to mention these issues.Overall, a very interesting book for both genders. A must read for those reading woman's studies, and anyone interested in learning more about feminism, femininity and those "scary" creatures - feminists. less

Download links for: Living Dolls: The Return of Sexism

Advertising