Female Eunuch: An empowering journey through the history and politics of feminism

This book needs to be read in the context of the time in which it was written - late 1960s - early 1970s. Were things different then? You could be forgiven for thinking that not much has changed today. Yes we have anti sex discrimination laws and equal pay laws but have things changed for the better? More married women work outside the home - some of them in better paid jobs than they did then. Married women are treated as individuals by the tax system - whereas their income was treated as belonging to their husbands back in the 1960s and taxed accordingly. In 1964 it was enshrined in law that married women were entitled to keep amounts left over from the housekeeping money. Divorce was easier than it had been and women were generally awarded custody of children - because they were the ones who brought them up anyway - not much has changed as far as that's concerned today. Full of shrewd comments on life as lived by women, this is an invigorating read. Greer points out how many men hate women and would do without them if they could. She criticises patriarchal society which assumes men have a monopoly of knowledge and are the only people who have the right answer to every problem. But she does not spare women and there are many comments on how women see themselves as victims when some of the answers to their problems are in their own hands. She deplores the concentration by women on their appearance, clothes and make up and castigates the manufacturers who are peddling impossible dreams at extortionate prices. These chapters apply even more to today's woman with the accessibility of plastic surgery and the desire to resemble a Barbie doll. These themes are echoed even more strongly in Nina Power's book - `One Dimensional Woman' published recently. Greer's last chapter postulates a different way for organising society with women banding together to co-operate on sharing the chores they dislike with people who like doing them and points out that the nuclear family is a means to divide and rule. She also suggests that equality will never be achieved until men see the household chores as their responsibility as well as the child rearing. She paints a graphic picture of families - mother, father and children - living in their little boxes in suburbia and not mixing with the neighbours so that they are isolated in their own little world. She suggests there are other ways of organising society which could be more beneficial to everyone - not just women. Some of the things she advocates do happen today - such as the alternative currency schemes which involve people swapping their skills - but they are the exception not the rule. She also suggests clubbing together to buy basic unbranded foodstuffs in bulk at discounted prices - which should appeal to today's credit crunch strapped families. Above all this is a book about remaking society so that it is fair to everyone and to do that it may be necessary to think the unthinkable. Just because society has been set up by men to suit them does not mean it should continue in the same way. She urges women not to fight men but to work co-operatively to achieve a society which ensures everyone can lead a fulfilling life. This book is still an inspiring read for anyone who is interested in an age old problem

Although the world and feminism has moved on since 'The Female Eunuch' was first published there is such a wealth of knowledge, experience and information in this book that is timeless. Germaine Greer remains to this day one of the more exciting and interesting feminist writers if for no other reason than she has not chained herself to only being a 'type a' or 'type b' feminist but written in all her eras of writing as herself. Her chapter in 'The Female Eunuch' on 'Sex' is a sheer joy and pleasure to read ... of course we do now know that female ejaculation is not a myth albeit this discovery is still even in the 21st century open to the odd modesty and curious schizophrenia society, even a hyper sexualised society, enforces, almost without thought, upon the female sexual experience. A book any contemporary feminist or budding feminist should read with an open mind, critical thought and a sense of humour as Greer's infectious writing sweeps over the reader and fills them with joy, disgust, outrage and again with humour.

Had to buy as a real classic! Very interesting to read as I was not around during this period, however is dated and not relevant today.

Loved this book, needed a dictionary for some of the vocabulary - so it was a learning curve in every sense. Would wholly recommend as Greer is a fabulous author.

This is recognised as an important book and one I've wanted to read for some time. Unfortunately, I couldn't get through it as the approach was far more academic than I was expecting. It reads like an essay and while this appealed to me initially, I found my interest beginning to wane. It turns out that I like my information wrapped up in a story or a stronger historical context. I may well return to this one day, but not for a while.

Ms. Greer has often stated that her specialist subject is the Obvious. In conversation and in print, she observes modern society and comments on what she sees. We might have cause to doubt her judgement (is a bedtime kiss between father and daughter a sexual act?), but we can always trust her to be considerate and insightful. 'The Female Eunuch' is one of those books that has become infamous. Depending on whose opinion one respects, it is either a passionate cry for the emancipation of Western Woman, or a psychotic, misandrist manifesto. None who reads this book can honestly say that they take neither position. This is perhaps the secret of its longevity. As a man, I found the book revelatory. Ms. Greer's description of a typical, urban, married woman could easily apply to my mother. Passages on the 'middle-class myth of marriage' resonated deeply, especially because I reject the idea for the very reasons that Ms. Greer cites. It is as though the author read my mind and described my neuroses. Please read this book. Ignore the critics. Come to your own conclusions. That would be all that Ms. Greer has ever done.

This book made me angry, made me laugh, made me ashamed of what I've done and made me feel vindicated, too. I had expected it to have dated badly, but it just goes to show how much of the hype around this book is just meanness and plainly not true. Wish I'd read it a few decades ago. Can't wait to reread it again in a few years, and evaluate the impact it will have had on my life.

Am still wading through it but throws up some thought provoking ideas. Interesting to consider the origins/history behind the sexes. You need to be in the right frame of mind to get through it, hence I pick it up and put it down depending on my mood. It's not a read cover to cover type of book.

http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/006157953X?redirect=true&ref_=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_1

Read this many years ago and was very happy to be able to read it again now. She said what a lot of women were thinking, and then thought that they were crazy for thinking it.

I have wanted to read this for quite some time. Now I can. Met her once.

Great book, a must in every library. Style is great, quotes are deep, message is clear and empowering. Germaine Greer does one amazing job. Recommended!

Of all the feminists I've read, and they are numerous, Greer is still significant in her observations. Bolder than most, making it easier for those following her to offer their insights, if less trenchantly. Great read!