Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny
Ratings5
Average rating4.4
15
Ratings5
Average rating4.4
Down Girl is a broad, original and far ranging analysis of what misogyny really is, how it works, its purpose, and how to fight it. The philosopher Kate Manne argues that modern society's failure to recognize women's full humanity and autonomy is not actually the problem. She argues instead that it is women's manifestations of human capacities--autonomy, agency, political engagement--is what engenders misogynist hostility.
Reviews with the most likes.
Manne introduces interesting concepts like “himpathy” and provides useful examples of how women are punished more than men when they act in morally reprehensible ways. Nevertheless, the book spends an excessive number of pages discussing the 2016 US Election and explaining why Hillary didn't win. As a non-american this was extremely annoying, as at times it felt like an “Ode to Hillary”. I almost gave it 2 stars because of all the discussion of how “Hillary lost because of misogyny”, while at least to me Hillary displayed misogynistic attitudes as well.
