Advertisements

Source: rawpixel 

 

There are countless feminist texts out there which are worth a read. Hopefully, in my lifetime I will read them all. This article isn’t about the best feminist texts, or planning to dictate to others which I feel should be read. I am simply sharing my appreciation for some feminist texts which have made me more appreciative of the field and widened my knowledge of the circumstances other feminists have endured.

 

Bell HooksAin’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism

This provocative text confronts the history of black women in America and the narratives which were created on the plantation to justify African exploitation.

 

Sylvia WalbyTheorizing Patriarchy

Patriarchy is thrown around on the internet, in this book, Sylvia Walby confronts the term from a number of sociological perspectives. It’s worth a read!

 

Simone de BeauvoirThe Second Sex (Vintage Classics)

One of the most difficult feminist texts I have ever read but much worth the effort. De Beauvoir positions females as the other, and calls for the Independent woman.

 

Peggy OrensteinCinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture

A fantastic book on the impact of Disney movies,  and franchise (built on the adaption of Aesop and Grimms Brother tales) has led to a princess mentality in young girls, and early sexualization. A great read.

 

Lisa Appignasesi, Susie Orbach & Rachel HolmesFifty Shades of Feminism

I haven’t read 50 Shades of Grey but I have read this. A collection of essays, poems, and stories from 50 influential British women. Covers a variety of topics and makes feminism very relatable.

 

Katherine Connelly – Sylvia Pankhurst: Suffragette, Socialist and Scourge of Empire (Revolutionary Lives)

This book is great to gain a better understanding of not only Sylvia Pankhurst’s life but her contribution to feminism and social change. Read this book and walk on the shoulders of giants.

 

Sheridan PrassoThe Asian Mystique: Dragon Ladies. Geisha Girls. & Our Fantasies of the Exotic Orient

A book examining the history of the orient archetypes which act as tools to subordinate Asian women in the western world.

 

Yaa GyasiHomegoing

Fiction texts can have amazing messages to send. In this book, you are brought face to face with different generations of women from Africa, to Plantation slavery, to modern day life. All face their own challenges.

 

Naomi Alderman – The Power

A world where women have gained the upper hand through newly acquired powers. A provocative Sci-Fi take on a world where women have gotten the upper hand.

 

Jessica ValentiThe Purity Myth: How America’s Obsession with Virginity Is Hurting Young Women

One of my favourite pieces by Jessica Valenti, the book deals with the notion that female virginity is sacred, or something to be saved even whilst no scientific definition exists of virginity. A great read, and one you’ll pass to friends.

 

These aren’t all the feminist texts which I have read, but there are booking which has taught me I didn’t know. I didn’t add the Patricia Hill Collins which I read, nor The Feminine Mystique mostly because I simply wouldn’t recommend them to someone of the bat. You can connect with me on Goodreads but in the meantime, what other feminists book should I read?

 

By Shaneka Knight

Instagram: Shanekaakknight

Leave a ResponseCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from The Sociological Mail

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading