Women as Revolutionary Agents of Change: The Hite Reports and Beyond [Paperback]

Shere Hite (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 1994

A summary of more than twenty years of research, this collection of reflective essays by the controversial historian explores the social impact of new feminist methodology as seen through the eyes of everyday men and women.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The extensive excerpts from Hite's widely discussed and influential first survey and two later books on sexuality and love provide a coherent overview of her work over the last 18 years. Hite's research, based on long and detailed replies to questions about sexual feelings, behavior and attitudes, was first derided by experts in the field, who called her sampling of respondents inadequate and her work unscientific. But her original 1976 study ( The Hite Report on Female Sexuality ), which challenged conventional beliefs about women's sexuality and explored the issues from a woman's perspective, was hailed in other quarters for its revelations. In her later books, she used similar methodology, first to report on male sexuality, and then to focus on women and the effects of the so-called sexual revolution on heterosexual and same-sex relationships, being single, friendships and family life. Distinguished social scientists have come to champion the validity of Hite's unorthodox style of research and her findings, and she concludes this compilation with a diverse collection of essays defending her studies by such scholars as Joseph P. Fell, Wardell Pomeroy and Cheris Kramarae. For readers unfamiliar with Hite's work, this compendium offers convincing evidence of her importance in the feminist canon.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

In this U.S. edition, Hite, cultural researcher, historian, and feminist, has now assembled a collection of reflective essays that distills the massively best-selling and controversial series of books collectively known as The Hite Reports: The Hite Report on Female Sexuality (LJ 7/76); The Hite Report on Men and Male Sexuality (LJ 7/81); Women and Love: A Cultural Revolution in Progress (LJ 10/15/87). These essays represent Hite's theory that the definition of sex as we know it is cultural, not biological, and provide a two-decade-long view of her work's impact on issues related to love, relationships, and sexual politics. Extensive excerpts from the reports as well as appendixes of scholarly papers pertaining to The Hite Reports and methodological essays are included. Controversial, yes; but this volume is bound to be a landmark in the literature on human sexuality and women's studies. Hite continues to be a revolutionary agent of change giving insight to the human need to love and be loved and express sexuality. Highly recommended for academic and public libraries.
Dana L. Brumbelow, Auburn P.L., Ala.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press; 1 edition (February 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0299142949
• ISBN-13: 978-0299142940
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,947,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Necessary Reading, May 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Women as Revolutionary Agents of Change: The Hite Reports and Beyond (Paperback)

This book should be required reading for men and women alike, whether they are sexually active or not. "Women as Revolutionary Agents of Change: The Hite Reports and Beyond" is a concisely written and informative book. Read it to better understand yourself, your sexuality, and that of the opposite sex.