Misogyny: The New Activism

by Gail Ukockis

Overview

New aspects of the misogyny that impacts girls and women worldwide continue to emerge every day. However, recent movements (e.g., #MeToo, Time's Up, the Women's March) indicate a strong hunger for a meaningful resource for thoughtful activists. Impassioned but practical, this book discusses the social contexts of misogyny, such as toxic masculinity and rape culture. It traces the history of misogyny and considers its meaning today-what is new and what is old. The author also proposes strategies for effective feminist action. Written for advocates of gender equality who are already aware of misogyny, the book includes Action Steps as tools for activism on both the individual and political levels. Misogyny is a timely text that offers concrete guidance as we strive for the egalitarian society that, despite all setbacks, we are capable of achieving.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190876364
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	01/16/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	10 MB

About the Author

Gail Ukockis, PhD, MSW, LSW, MA, is an educator and social worker who had taught a Women's Issues course for eleven years at Ohio Dominican University. As author of the textbook Women's Issues for a New Generation: A Social Work Perspective (Oxford University Press, 2016), Dr. Ukockis combined her intellectual insights with an engaging writing style. Her graduate studies in history, alongside her PhD in social work and practice experience with diverse clients, have given her a unique perspective stressing practical action to fight sexism.

Table of Contents

Chapter One: Introduction: New Misogyny, Ancient Hatreds Chapter Two: Three Levels of Misogyny Chapter Three: Silencing of Women Chapter Four: Intersectionality: Not Just Another Buzz Word Chapter Five: When a Culture is Embedded with Rape Chapter Six: When Masculinity Becomes Toxic Chapter Seven: Pandora's Jar: The Messy Politics of Reproductive Health Chapter Eight: Surviving the New Misogyny Chapter Nine: Overcoming the New Misogyny Chapter Ten: Thriving in an Egalitarian Society

Editorial Reviews

01/07/2019

Drawing on in-depth personal interviews, case studies, and academic texts, Ukockis, a social worker and gender studies lecturer, presents a comprehensive and detailed overview of misogyny and how to counter it in the 21st century. The overarching goal is not only to define and describe misogyny, but to spur readers to feminist activism, and Ukockis provides a small selection of “action steps” at the close of each section that range from letting young boys cry to donating to abortion funds and approaching one’s governmental representatives. Ukockis explores a wide range of issues such as intersectionality (recounting her path to becoming a trans ally), toxic masculinity (listing and analyzing some of its norms, like risk-taking behavior and power over women), how cultural myths (as of the apocryphal medieval “right of the first night,” in which a feudal lord was entitled to deflower lower-class brides on their wedding nights) sustain rape culture, and more. She makes the case for men and women alike to become engaged in fighting misogyny and argues that “gender equality promises liberation for everybody trapped by gender roles.” The structure of the text will be familiar to those exposed to academic writing, but Ukockis’s writing style ensures the text is accessible to a general audience. The book will prove engaging to anyone interested in contemporary feminism and the fight for gender equality. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

"This book looks at attacks on women's rights (broadly defined) and the possibilities for activism. Writing for a nonspecialist audience, especially those who are new to the issues involved, Ukockis addresses her readers directly, as if speaking to a small group, interspersing her presentation with asides, personal anecdotes, and even the occasional joke... Highly recommended." — CHOICE

"The author's insights are authentic, accessible, and relatable. " — Kathleen M. Walsh, PhD, MSW, LCSW, Associate Professor and BSW Program Coordinator, School of Social Work, Millersville University

"Can feminists be funny? Can men be feminists? Can we create a more just society that upholds the rights and dignity of all human beings? Gail Ukockis answers a resounding yes, yes, and yes. Misogyny provides a primer and a plan for the #MeToo era and beyond. From pussy grabbing to Pussy Riot, Dr. Ukockis pulls no punches in this overview of misogyny and its discontents. All feminists will come away with new insights into this abiding scourge and, above all, new inspiration to fight the good fight." — Miriam Potocky, PhD, Professor, School of Social Work, Florida International University

"Drawing on in-depth personal interviews, case studies, and academic texts, Ukockis, a social worker and gender studies lecturer, presents a comprehensive and detailed overview of misogyny and how to counter it in the 21st century . . . Ukockis's writing style ensures the text is accessible to a general audience. The book will prove engaging to anyone interested in contemporary feminism and the fight for gender equality." — Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher