A wonderfully concise and clear explanation of feminism and the dialogue surrounding it today. Many differing and diverse viewpoints are addressed, all respectfully. An excellent primer for learning about this vital movement. Highly recommended!

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley.

This was a wonderful presentation of what feminism really means, to all sorts of women, not just those yelling the loudest. I really liked the thorough manner that this dealt with the current climate of women in the workforce (at home and in the outside workforce) as well as the historical perspective of where our prior generations came from and what they fought to achieve that has led us to have the choices that we have currently. I have always thought of feminism as the woman's right to choose the life she wants for herself, whether that is in the home or outside the home or a combination of the two. This book was very good at putting those ideas into words and prior events that supported the feminist movement.
Really well done.

#Feminism #NetGalley

It calls itself a brief introduction but it’s incredibly thorough despite its brevity (144 pages). Mixing notes of feminism past, present, and future, Deborah Cameron manages to cover all the key notes of how we’ve arrived at our current standing and where we’re going. More importantly, Cameron focuses heavily on the importance of intersectionality, varying viewpoints, goals, cultures, genders, and beyond. This isn’t White Lady Feminism 101 like far too many books on the subject tend to be. This isn’t simply an overview of feminism, but a review of the map that got us here with the constant necessary reminder that our maps all look different and the destination is not the same across the board.

Using ample research sources, Cameron compares and contrasts the four waves of feminism (stating her belief that we’re currently in the early to mid-stages of the fourth wave) while touching briefly on the conflict between generations of self-identified feminists. Like all areas of life, there are certain members of every generation that believes that they had it harder than those that come after them, that they fought the “real” fight, and that “kids these days” are just asking for too much. With a deft hand and gentle coaxing, Cameron reminds us that while the battles may be different, they’re still battles worth fighting.

Where Cameron’s writing and knowledge shines brightest is covering the opposing views of feminists on the same issue while not siding with any one notion or mindset. And, since according to every man on the internet we’re supposed to factor in how feminism helps men as well, Cameron consistently brings them into the conversation discussing their place, status, and the ways they benefit from a strong feminist movement.

This is a good and important read no matter your stance, experience, or label. New to feminism? Great. Read this. Consider yourself a veteran in the trenches fighting the good fight for as long as you can recall? Great. Read this.