Synopsis
A collection of essays by an influential feminist examines the state of the women's movement today and offers possibilities for the future, focusing on such issues as economic empowerment, women politicians, and life affirmations
Reviews
Steinem is at her polemical best in these six compelling essays--three of which are new, three revised from Ms. articles. She invents "Dr. Phyllis Freud," founder of psychoanalysis, who proved that men's lack of wombs make them terminally envious and whose theories serve as a semi-scientific rationale for men's lower status in a matriarchal society. An interview with women's weightlifting world champ Bev Francis leads Steinem to question assumptions of female weakness and male strength. Another piece demystifies economics by interpreting it as a system of human values, with special reference to women's unpaid or underrated work. Elsewhere Steinem analyzes the growing feminization of poverty and masculinization of wealth, exposes advertisers' restrictive control over the editorial content of women's magazines and reflects on turning 60, an age, she finds, when women grow more radical and rebellious. Each essay is prefaced by an extensive introduction which Steinem uses as a platform to discuss sexual politics. First serial to Ms.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
This outstanding collection of essays provides a history of the feminist movement based on Steinem's personal experience. Previously published essays are given new introductions, and the subjects range from an unusual analysis of Freud to discussions about women and sports, class, economics, and ``old age.'' In the first and longest essay, Steinem creates Dr. Phyllis Freud. In a matriarchal world of female dominance and supremacy, this Dr. Freud is a woman of courage greatly respected for her innovative research on undeserving men. Using the gender inversion to illustrate the absurdity of Freud's (Sigmund, that is) theories about sexuality, Steinem critiques social systems based on hierarchy and inequality, arguing that Freudians continue to deny that ``class or race or other social systems'' have had anything to do with the feelings of rage and inferiority experienced by their predominantly female patients. More than a witty satire, what emerges is a compelling examination of the male-dominated institution of mental health. Another essay, a reprint of the expos‚ written when Ms. magazine moved to an ad-free format, remains a compelling reminder of the far-reaching influence of advertisers on the lives of both men and women. Once, after Ms. printed a Front Page Award-winning story about feminists exiled from Russia, Revlon pulled an ad from the magazine because the Soviet women on the cover were not wearing makeup. The struggle to maintain the independence and integrity of the women's magazine will encourage readers to question the untold messages in advertising. In the final piece Steinem reflects on the transition to ``old age'' as a way of analyzing social systems designed to hide away the elderly. But rather than wither and die, Steinem finds herself growing more radical with age. For someone who has accomplished so much in a world not always receptive to visions of feminist change, Steinem keeps getting better and better. (Author tour) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Readers fascinated by Steinem's exploration of self-esteem in the best-selling Revolution from Within (1991) as well as those who consider that book an unproductive digression are likely to be curious about this collection of new and revised essays. The longest piece, a "reversal" that defends the psychoanalytic theories of "Phyllis" Freud, is demanding (you do need to read those long, chatty footnotes!) but will be instructive for readers who have not followed the latest scholarship on Sigmund and his ideas. Three pieces update articles published in Ms.: "The Strongest Woman in the World" (on Australian athlete and bodybuilder Bev Francis); "Sex, Lies and Advertising" (on Ms. magazine's long struggle with advertisers and ad agencies); and "The Masculinization of Wealth" (which posits that, in terms of allocating power, gender is a more fundamental distinction than class). In "Revaluing Economics," Steinem humanizes the dismal science by displaying the value judgments it obfuscates, while "Doing Sixty" offers her reflections on the past, rejection of nostalgia, and celebration of the present as she enters her seventh decade. Mary Carroll
In this collection, eminent feminist author Steinem offers a diverse selection of six essays, some never before published and some having previously appeared in Ms. magazine, which Steinem founded. The pieces vary from a clever spoof on Freud ("What If Freud Were Phylis?") to feminist economic analysis ("The Masculinization of Wealth" and "Revaluing Economics"). Others illustrate the continuing struggle of women to break down traditional barriers ("Sex, Lies and Advertising"). The final essay, "Doing Sixty," is a moving rumination about growing older. Rather than mellowing, Steinem is becoming more radical than ever. Considering the changes that her activities and writings have wrought over the past 25 years, this is good news; obviously, we can look forward to more of her eloquent and provocative prose. Well recommended for all libraries.
Kathryn Moore Crowe, Jackson Lib., Univ. N.C., Greensboro
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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