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52 pages 1 hour read

Sexual Politics

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1970

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Book Brief

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Kate Millett

Sexual Politics

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1970
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1970s

Publication Year

1970

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Sexual Politics by Kate Millett is a seminal feminist critique exploring literature and social organization, opening with an analysis of fiction by Henry Miller, Norman Mailer, and Jean Genet to illustrate sexual power dynamics. Millett discusses the political nature of gender relations, critiques patriarchal rule and cultural conditioning, and reviews the incomplete sexual revolution from 1830 to 1930, followed by a counterrevolution supported by regimes and social sciences. The book concludes with detailed examinations of Lawrence's, Miller's, Mailer's, and Genet's works, highlighting themes of manipulation, objectification, sexualized violence, and resistance to oppression. The text includes themes of sexual violence, manipulation, and marginalization.

Informative

Challenging

Contemplative

Mysterious

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

3,891 ratings

71%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Kate Millett's Sexual Politics is praised for its groundbreaking feminist critique of patriarchy and its analysis of literature through a gendered lens. Some reviewers find Millett's writing dense and the arguments dated, but the majority appreciate its historical significance and powerful insights into gender dynamics. Overall, it remains a seminal feminist text.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sexual Politics?

A reader intrigued by feminist theory, gender studies, and socio-political critiques of patriarchy will find Sexual Politics by Kate Millett compelling. Fans of Simone de Beauvoir's The Second Sex and Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique will appreciate Millett's incisive analysis and revolutionary perspectives.

4.2

3,891 ratings

71%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Ursula

A character from D. H. Lawrence's "The Rainbow", who explores themes of women's roles and liberation by venturing into traditionally male-dominated spheres.

A character from Norman Mailer's work, notable for their complex relationship with masculinity and violence as a means of asserting identity.

A representation in Jean Genet's autobiographical novel of a person embodying femininity and challenging heteronormative power dynamics through their subversive role.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1970s

Publication Year

1970

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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