Feminism: A Brief Introduction to the Ideas, Debates, and Politics of the Movement

by Deborah Cameron

Beneath the nonstop cacophony of voices across social media, online forums, and news outlets lie the stubborn facts at the heart of the everyday struggles of women more than a third of single moms live in poverty; the United States sees more maternal deaths than anywhere else in the developed world; one in five women will be raped in her lifetime; and women still make eighty cents for every dollar earned by a man. Between these brutal statistics and the ill-informed, often contentious public debate stand millions of women who feel alienated, disaffected, or just plain worn out.
 
In the era of #MeToo, Trump, and online harassment, innovative progressive feminist voices are more essential than ever. With her latest book, Deborah Cameron considers feminism from all sides—as an idea, as a theoretical approach, and as a political movement. Written in the succinct, sharp style that has made Cameron’s feminist linguistics blog so popular, this short book lays out past and present debates on seven key domination, rights, work, femininity, sex, culture, and the future. Feminism emphasizes the diversity of feminist thought, including queer, women-of-color, and trans perspectives. Cameron’s clear and incisive account untangles the often confusing strands of one of history’s most important intellectual and political movements.
 
Broad in scope but refreshingly concise, this book is perfect for anyone who needs a straightforward primer on the complex history of feminism, a nuanced explanation of key issues and debates, or strategic thinking about the questions facing activists today.

Genres: Feminism, Nonfiction, Politics, Philosophy, Sociology, History, Gender

144 pages, Paperback

Published May 21, 2019

About the author

Deborah Cameron, is a feminist linguist, who holds the Rupert Murdoch Professorship in Language and Communication at Worcester College, Oxford University. She is mainly interested in sociolinguistics and linguistic anthropology. A large part of her academic research is focused on the relationship of language to gender and sexuality.Cameron wrote the book The Myth of Mars And Venus: Do Men and Women Really Speak Different Languages?, published in 2007

Reviews

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a succinct, accessible, and clear overview of feminism and the evolution of the feminist movement. Written in the form of an academic thesis, Deborah Cameron covers the four waves of feminism, provides deeper looks into areas such as sex, gender, representation, rights, culture, etc, and also adds her own thoughts on each area.

Deborah Cameron has an obvious deep knowledge of the topic, and provides quotes and ideas from a great selection of well-known and lesser known sources (some of whom I hadn’t heard of myself and who are now on my to-read and research list). While none of the actual ideas or thoughts were new to me, I found Feminism to be a great refresher on why the movement is so important and why I have to continue the fight onwards. I would have liked to see more focus on intersectionality and the continued disregard of white feminists to sit down and let women of color take the podium, but Deborah Cameron does do a good job of firstly mentioning the importance of intersectionality and secondly making it clear that her work focuses on western feminism and is therefore not an overview on the movement worldwide. I also liked how she stresses the contradictions within the movement, both in the past as well as the present, and the areas where more work is needed to be done.

I particularly liked reading the section on “choice”. It brings up a very important line of thought, mainly that women’s choices are not necessarily free choices, but structured in a way that push women to make a certain choice, even though it appears to be a free “choice”. I found myself nodding through that chapter and wanted to see it pushed a bit further (although for the book itself it was enough).

All in all this is a very good read, especially for people looking to learn more about feminism, but also beneficial to those who have been immersed in it for a while (forever). Don’t be put off by the somewhat dry, academic approach, the content is very accessible and well presented, and there is a lot of food for thought within the pages. I had actually never read anything by Deborah Cameron before, but now I see that she also writes a blog – I shall now be following! This is a book that I will be recommending high and low.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy!

[Halei | DegenerateReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally at DegenerateReads - https://degeneratereads.wordpress.com...

Disclaimer: This eARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Don't be fooled by the word introduction—although this does introduce the beginner feminist to the movement, this is so much more than a simple overview of feminism. 

This has an introductory quality, but the intellectual tone keeps this from feeling dumbed-down in the way many introductory works tend to. Going into this, I did not consider myself to be in the introductory stage of my learning of feminism, but I did feel like a beginner in the larger sense. I feel that even if you are a veteran feminist, you would still benefit from a brief brush up on the basics of the movement. 

This covers each of the four waves of feminism by giving you their history and primary goals, and how they compare to each other. She provides ample research to show what each of these waves looked like for women, as well as women's place in history prior to the formative years of the first wave. Loads of feminist figures—both historical and contemporary—are referenced throughout, as well as significant feminist works, so you, as the reader, will have an idea of where to turn upon finishing this book.

The author also presents the opposing views feminists have on different topics, and thoroughly explains both sides without seeming to take one side or push it on the reader. And while explaining each side, and providing supporting arguments for that side, she also provides the counterarguments, and compares the ways in which the two (or more) sides conflict and agree. 

All of this the author manages to do while remaining inclusive, and consistently acknowledges that feminism's improvements have not equally benefited all women. She keeps in mind how these different aspects of our society affect people in non-western societies, people of color (but specifically women of color), and people in the lower class. 

In nearly every topic she discusses, she also addresses how men fit into that aspect of society, and how their place both benefits and hinders them. 

I knew after the introduction in this that I was reading something great. If you ever read a feminist work I've recommended, make this one it. 

[Gabi Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Super educational when it comes to informing readers about the history and different types of feminism. If you are trying to learn more about the topic or simply want to read it for fun, it’s a great choice.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.8

[Rebekah Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely a five-star book. Cameron succinctly and understandably illustrated the multicultural and diverse opinions held within the broad feminist movement, even breaking those opinions down by waves. Her encompassing survey of feminism can serve to provide a very basic understanding of what feminism is, how it has changed historically, what it values, and what the current status is. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

[Tim Regan]

Great podcast with Cameron on Feminist Current here.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this book is like what a classmate described it: “feminism for dummies”. It’s quite a short book with a lot of information that doesn’t read as info dumping. Cameron organizes each section very well and refers back to previous points carefully as not to go off on too many tangents. The information flows very well from historical points to then presenting several arguments and counterarguments to issues, and then asking questions , and then providing potential ways of solutions.

The chapter Work and Femininity were the most interesting. Reflecting on housework as “unpaid” work was fascinating as she also refers back to pre-Industrial Revolution, in a short manner of time connecting it back to how society has changed.

The Femininity chapter was the most interesting out of seven. There was a section the author insinuates on corsets and how Victorian reformists deplored it. I had to ask my professor for more info, which has led me on a track in researching the history of deploring corsets, who started to reject them and who didn’t, and how that has led to this idea of fashion for women. It also had me thinking about being feminine, is it "un-feminist" to be too feminine, or is rejecting femininity (because you might be deemed antifeminist) therefore not feminist?

The chapter on gender identity provided new perspectives for me, since that was the least topic I knew about.

Overall again, this book is good to learn about the Western history of feminism. It provides a lot of citations and sources as well for more research and learning. I only wished there was a citation for the corset criticism, as I would have liked to learn where the author herself found those insertions she states.

[Christine C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a compelling, thought-provoking book. This isn't a manifesto by any means, or even an endorsement of one type of feminism over another. Instead, the author examines the topics of domination, rights, work, femininity, sex, culture, and the future as each feminist perspective sees it. Ms Cameron examines the differences and the common threads. She begins the book with a history of feminism as a movement from the beginning of the 18th century through the present. Each chapter that follows is dedicated to one of the aforementioned topics, and go into great depth for each one. This is not a book that can easily be read in one sitting, but one that should be read carefully and thoughtfully. So much ground is covered and yet it's done so concisely that the mind is kept engaged but not overwhelmed. This is also not a dry, boring book by any means. Ms Cameron excels at presenting the information in an engaging way that is easily understood by non-academics. 

One passage I highlighted is the perfect summation of this book:

"...my answer to the question, What is Feminism?, could be summed up by saying, "It's complicated." Feminism is multifaceted, diverse in both its historical forms and in its political and intellectual content: it's an umbrella sheltering beliefs and interests that may be not just different but incompatible with one another. (And some of those beliefs are also held by people who deny they are feminists at all."

I highly recommend this book to not only women engaged in the feminist movement, but to everyone, especially those who think they are not a feminist, and those who perceive feminism as being one ideal. 

[Madison Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what it says on the tin: this small book is indeed a brief introduction to feminism, and it wastes no time on fluff or irrelevant tangents (I’m unsurprised to learn that the author is a linguist). Clocking in at 115 pages (not counting citations), this book can easily be read in a single afternoon, and though it’s full of information, I found it digestible and easy to follow. Personally, I don’t necessarily need an introduction to feminism at this point, but it was nice to read something that got back to the basics, and touched on the varied perspectives that the movement has. My favorite chapters were Rights, Femininity, and Culture. Of course, since this is a brief introduction to a massive movement, most of the points are generalized and inevitably focused on straight white women. Cameron does shed light on minority groups, no doubt, but since feminism itself has been largely exclusive of marginalized women, a history a feminism is likely to do the same. But, for what it is, this is a good primer, and Cameron is a great writer. Looking at her bibliography, and seeing that she has a blog, are exciting, and I hope to dig into more of her work soon.

[HollyLovesBooks]

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

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good introduction to this topic. It really emphasizes the diversity of thought within the feminist movement, past and present. I particularly liked the chapter on culture. It would be hard to come away from reading this and not consider yourself a feminist of some sort. I also liked the overview on the debates over consumerism and its possible negative effects on the movement, especially in the 2010s (this book was published in 2018). There were even points here and there where I had to stop and reflect on the way I've thought of various things.

I want to also note that I believe this is the same text as Deborah Cameron's "Feminism" book from Profile Books, judging by a look at the table of contents. Just different titles (sort of) and different publishers.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Harry Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book ! This is the most coherent, and clearest introduction to feminism and its various movements I have ever read. This book should be more widely read as a primer than the ones that are currently dominating this area which I found them rhetorically unpersuasive and theoretically shallow.

[Simge · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 bir feminizm başlangıç kitabı. Feminizm diyince dudak büken arkadaşlarınıza aradıkları tüm yanıtları sunabileceğiniz güncel, bol kaynaklı, farklı görüşlere yol vermiş, akıllı bir arkadaşınızla konuşuyormuşsunuz hissi veren mis gibi bir kitap. Okuması da çok kolay.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a beginner, this book is undoubtedly one of the best feminism intro books. For an old-timer like myself, reading a concise and precise book like this is still such a pleasant refresher. This author is a true master of argument.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron’s book provides a lot of well needed exposure to feminist ideas and debates making it a great intro! She also does a good job of showing the different facets of feminism as a political outlook.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eminently readable primer.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concise and clarifying, even though I disagree with some of the underlying presuppositions about the theological and metaphysical structure of human nature and identity.

[Farid Medleg · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the concepts, ideas, and political movements within feminism. This is exceptionally organized and well-referenced while being short enough to be digestible.

[Agustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compelling first introduction to the chaotic yet essential world of feminism. Dispels many misconceptions.

[rad librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great primer to feminism. Easy and brief read. Each chapter discusses a focus of feminism and each was insightful. Highly recommended read for anyone wanting to learn more about feminism.

[Livi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great quick introduction to feminist theory and the basic concepts of feminism for anyone who wants to learn the bare bones of the movement, the main issues, and different feminist perspectives.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

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Required disclaimer: I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Mya Matteo · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.5 stars]

A standard introduction to Western feminism but doesn't dive in deep enough to race/colonialism for me. The author probably couldn't only include so much, but still.