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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

Character List

Carole Pateman (Author)

A British political theorist and feminist notable for her critiques of contract theory through a feminist lens, particularly known for her works "The Sexual Contract" and "Participation and Democratic Theory."

A journalist and emeritus professor whose work on patriarchal structures is analyzed by Pateman, particularly evident in her book "Patriarchal Precedents."

An American political theorist and gender studies scholar whose critique of John Locke’s theories is examined by Pateman for its insight into modern patriarchy.

A German philosopher and revolutionary socialist whose interpretations of contract doctrine and class subordination are critiqued by Pateman in the context of his collaborative works with Marx.

An English political theorist known for defending the divine right of kings, whose perspectives on patriarchy are central to Pateman’s analysis of classic contract theory.

An Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis, whose conjectural history on sexual difference is discussed by Pateman in her exploration of the origins of patriarchal power.

A German philosopher known for his criticism of contract theory, particularly regarding the marriage contract, which Pateman explores for its patriarchal implications.

A foundational figure in social contract theory whose concept of the individual in civil society is integral to Pateman's analysis of contractarianism's patriarchal nature.

A German philosopher whose work on autonomy and the marriage contract is examined by Pateman for its inherent gender biases and contradictions.

An American historian who specializes in women’s history, her conjectural history of patriarchy is addressed by Pateman to explore how men's rights over women impact societal structures.

A French anthropologist known for structural anthropology, whose work on the origins of culture is used by Pateman to discuss the fraternity of men and the role of women in society.

A British philosopher renowned for his work on social contract theory, whose exclusion of women’s individuality is analyzed by Pateman in her critique of civil society’s gender assumptions.

A British jurist and historian whose concept of the transition from status to contract positions is critiqued by Pateman regarding its patriarchal constructs.

A philosopher known for his analysis of capitalism and societal structures, critiqued by Pateman for how his theories miss crucial aspects of gender relations and contract theory.

An English philosopher and critic of the marriage contract, discussed by Pateman for his views on freedom and gender equality.

A German jurist and philosopher whose views on marriage and slavery contracts are analyzed by Pateman for their implications on gender and social obedience.

An American political philosopher, whose theory of justice as fairness is reviewed by Pateman to highlight issues with the patriarchal undertones of contract theory.

A Genevan philosopher whose belief in natural sexual difference and endorsement of the sexual contract is essential to Pateman’s critique of contract theory.

An Irish writer and early socialist thinker whose views on marriage and free relations between sexes contribute to Pateman’s discussion on gender equality within contract theory.

Book Details
Pages

264

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1980s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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