The F-Word: Feminism In Jeopardy - Women, Politics and the Future (Paperback)

by Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner (Author) "At twenty-one years old, Traci is a smart, driven woman from the South who has volunteered at nursing homes, hospitals, and community cleanups..." (more)
Key Phrases: county elections department, three social issues, grrl movement, United States, New York, Riot Grrl (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Look out—young women can rule the world. This book reminds us that feminist ideals and hard won rights are important." -- Krist Novoselic, author and former bassist of Nirvana

"Quick, buy The F-Word book so Susan B. Anthony can stop spinning in her grave!" -- Arianna Huffington, author and political commentator

"The F-Word offers insightful analysis that shows how women are still far from equal economically and politically. Go vote! -- Joan Blades, cofounder of MoveOn

Through careful research and smart insights, The F-Word proves that young woman aren't politically disengaged. It's simply a great read." -- Amy Richards, co-author of Manifesta

Well-written and impressively researched, this book thoroughly demolishes the myth that the goals of the women's movement have been achieved. -- Ann Crittenden author of Price of
Motherhood

Product Description
Many young women today consider "feminism" a dirty word, an antiquated term that hasn't expanded to accommodate the diverse needs of a new generation. In addition, decades of negative campaigns, excessively "messaged" issues, and hanging chads have all combined to make political apathy appear not only smart, but also sexy. The result is that while they still bemoan the state of gender politics, gender equity, and the agendas of their local, state, and national politicians, nearly 19 million young women chose not to vote in the last election. Yes, the face of feminism is changing, but to what end? Is a new generation taking for granted the rights hard-won only a generation before? And by focusing on cultural—not electoral—politics, are women today giving their power away? In this pivotal book, Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, environmental and political consultant, asks these critical questions, tracing feminism's distinguished past and exploring new developments in American political history, asking what can be done to protect and further women's rights and freedoms. The F-Word is truly an astonishing look at the tenuous state of women’s rights and issues in America, and a call to action for the young women who have the power to change their situation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 302 pages
• Publisher: Seal Press (July 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580051146
• ISBN-13: 978-1580051149
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #491,171 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who's telling the truth?, November 17, 2004

By	L. Miller - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Oh, Spike in San Antonio. It's so hard to believe that sexism exists, isn't it? I'm not sure where your numbers come from, as your logic seems tenuous, at best, but according to that left-wing, liberal think tank known as the US Census Bureau, Rowe-Finkbeiner is right. And it's getting worse.

The Census Bureau reported in August, based on the Current Population Survey, that women's real median earnings fell by $171, or 0.6 percent, from 2002 to 2003, while men's increased by $336, or 0.8 percent. (The increase for men was not statistically significant, but the decrease for women was.) The gender wage ratio thus fell to 75.5, compared with 76.6 in 2002. In addition, a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released in October of 2003, controlling for changes in education and work experience over time, concludes that women¹s earnings have remained stagnant, relative to men's, for an even longer period--17 years--with a gap that cannot be explained by measurable differences in education and experience.

If you actually read The F-Word, you might find cited cases like this: Although women make up nearly 3/4 of Wal-Mart's workforce, men hold 90% of management positions--despite female employee's receiving better performance evaluations overall--and female employees are paid lower wages than male employees for the same jobs. None of this is disputed by the corporation. Why? According to Wal-Mart, because men are there for a career, while women are working for pocket money. I wish I could say your attitude was merely naive--but the truth is it's far more dangerous and insidious. Thanks to Rowe-Finbeiner for telling it how it really is.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for all women, September 20, 2004

By	Hip Mama "Beryl Owens" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

An outstanding breakthrough book. "The F-Word" is a well-researched and accessible book, suitable for feminists young, older and the pioneers of the women's movement. Alas, a book that highlights the threat to female democracy. Thank you, Ms. Rowe-Finkbeiner, for spelling out the disaffection that thwarts the female agenda in today's political arena. Let this book be the catalyst for the next generation of women in future politics.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book , September 19, 2004

By	Jane S. Semich (Ellicott City, Maryland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It's been a long time since I read a book that motivated me to action like this one. Women still make 76 cents to every dollar earned by men-who knew? It's a great read and spans a lot of material-from the history of American feminism to contemporary women's issues and politics. If you want to know about women and politics, and the current state of women's issues, this is the book for you.



Packed with stories from young women across the country, this book flows well and is an inspiring call to action. And, as a bonus there's a reading group guide and several how-to sections (like how-to get information about issues and candidates, how-to run for office, etc.).



My book group will certainly pick this one up! The readers guide included in the book provides ample ideas to spark great discussions.