A Lesser Life: The Myth of Women's Liberation in America

The examination of the socioeconomic condition of American women draws on extensive research to demonstrate that in spite of the feminist movement, American women still lag far behind their European counterparts in earnings relative to men and in security

Family support issues have been politicized in the U.S., alleges British economist Hewlett. In this challenging, amply researched, angry (and sometimes repetitious) study, the author further charges that American feminists have emphasized equal rights and sexual freedom at the expense of social benefits, and that American women since the "ultra domestic" '50s have less economic security than their own mothers and European sisters. High divorce rates with negligible alimony and child support, combined with the widest wage gap between males and females in the industrial world, have become the lot of many women. Inadequate public and corporate support systems for maternity leave and child care, and the high cost of private facilities, compound the problems of combining career and family. Unfortunately, concludes Hewlett, leaders of both public and private sectors appear largely indifferent to this situation. 100,000 first printing; $75,000 ad/promo; author tour.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Hewlett, who has a doctorate in economics, has written an unsupported attack on the women's movement. Her initial observation is validwomen in America lack adequate assistance from government and industry to meet responsibilities both at home and at work. But she goes on, illogically, to blame the women's movement, misrepresenting feminist positions on daycare and parental leave. She also distorts the experience of the 1950s, ignoring the rising number of women workers, erroneously implying a decline. This incomplete and biased treatment reveals that Hewlett misunderstands both the women's movement and the conservatism of American society. (She is British.) Not recommended, despite publisher's plans for extensive advertising. Cynthia Harrison, American Historical Assn., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.