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The Sexual Contract

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1988

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Book Brief

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Carole Pateman

The Sexual Contract

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1988
Book Details
Pages

264

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1980s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Sexual Contract, by Carole Pateman, argues that the foundation of modern civil society is a sexual-social contract that perpetuates patriarchy, with men securing domination and subordination through various agreements. By examining classic and contemporary contract theory, Pateman demonstrates that the public and private spheres are interwoven, maintaining gendered power dynamics in institutions such as marriage, prostitution, and employment.

Informative

Challenging

Contemplative

Mysterious

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.2

523 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Academic reviews of The Sexual Contract by Carole Pateman commend the book for its incisive critique of traditional social contract theories and their inherent gender biases. Scholars appreciate Pateman's in-depth analysis and clear argumentation. However, some critique her dense prose and the book's challenging, theory-heavy nature that may not cater to general readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Sexual Contract?

Readers who would enjoy The Sexual Contract by Carole Pateman are typically interested in feminist theory, political philosophy, and social contract theory. Comparable to audiences of John Rawls' A Theory of Justice and Catharine MacKinnon's Toward a Feminist Theory of the State, they seek critical perspectives on societal structures and gender power dynamics.

4.2

523 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

264

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1980s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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