Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny
By Kate Manne
Why this book?
Of the books on this list, read this first. And if you only read one, make it this one. Down Girl changed how I see the world. I continue to consult it in my own writing and teaching. Manne convincingly argues that misogyny is the police force of sexism, meaning a system of structures, practices, and behaviors that enforce and reinforce binary gender norms. In other words, misogyny is not just an individual hatred of women, and this means that men and women alike are capable of misogynist actions. Manne also pays close attention to how race, socioeconomic class, and power structures intersect with misogyny. This will change how you read the other books I recommend.
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