Culture News Kingdom of Bahrain: 11 Empowering Feminist Books to Read
Embrace the spirit of International Women’s Day 2021 by delving into these transformative literary works.
In the dynamic landscape of 2021, traditional norms are undergoing profound challenges, and feminism has transcended its status as merely a “women’s rights issue.” Conversations about toxic masculinity, the gender pay gap, and other aspects of gender inequality are increasingly prevalent. Embracing the label of “feminist” is no longer confined to women, as men recognize the broader benefits of feminism.
If you’re seeking to become better informed and engage in these ongoing discussions, explore these powerful feminist books that cater to everyone, regardless of gender. They will bring you up to speed as you prepare for the enlightening conversations leading up to International Women’s Day 2021.
- “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman” by Mary Wollstonecraft Begin at the origins of feminist philosophy. Mary Wollstonecraft’s pioneering work from 1792 challenges the idea that education, or the lack thereof, perpetuates inequality. Reading it through the lens of today’s world highlights the progress made and the road ahead.
- “Everyday Sexism” by Laura Bates Unveil the subtle ways sexism affects women’s lives through Laura Bates’ compilation of shared anecdotes on her website. This book exposes the quiet ways women are made to feel inadequate, revealing the widespread nature of everyday sexism.
- “Nice Girls Still Don’t Get the Corner Office: Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers” by Lois P Frankel Lois P Frankel explores over 130 behaviors that women unknowingly adopt during their upbringing, behaviors that can impede their careers. Discover life-coaching insights to break free from these self-sabotaging patterns.
- “Men Explain Things to Me” by Rebecca Solnit Rebecca Solnit coined the term “mansplaining” after a man condescendingly explained her own book to her. In this collection of essays, she delves into pressing issues faced by women, addressing erasure from history, the intricacies of marriage, and the experience of having one’s expertise explained away.
- “Headscarves and Hymens” by Mona Eltahawy Mona Eltahawy examines religious misogyny and its conflation with cultural differences, drawing from her personal experiences and those of other women. This book delves into the complexities of gender inequality within various contexts.
- “The Feminine Mystique” by Betty Friedan Betty Friedan’s groundbreaking work focuses on the frustration experienced by housewives who question their lives post-marriage, leading to the emergence of a new wave of feminism. Explore the shared experiences that sparked the feminist movement.
- “Sister Outsider” by Audre Lorde Audre Lorde’s writings contributed to the concept of intersectional feminism, acknowledging the diverse voices that shape feminist discourse. Explore her candid reflections on racism, class, white feminism, and her experiences as a woman of color.
- “Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny” by Kate Manne Kate Manne’s analysis of misogyny delves into its roots, distinction from sexism, and the question of why it persists. Gain insights into the various dimensions of misogyny and its underlying causes.
- “A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf Virginia Woolf’s essay challenges the prevailing notion that women were inferior writers, attributing their limitations to systemic barriers. Her exploration of creative freedom remains pertinent in today’s context.
- “The Future is Feminist” by Various Authors This compilation of essays offers diverse perspectives on feminism, providing bite-sized insights from a wide range of contributors, including influential figures like Salma Hayek and Mindy Kaling. It serves as an accessible introduction to feminism’s myriad facets.
- “Wayward Girls & Wicked Women” edited by Angela Carter Edited by Angela Carter, this anthology of short stories celebrates defiant women who challenge societal norms. With stories by notable authors, this collection embraces rebellion and dissent, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a taste of anarchy.
Embark on a journey of empowerment and enlightenment with these remarkable feminist books, amplifying your understanding of gender equality and the transformative potential of feminism.
