Abstract

Feminism is so last century. Surely in today's world the idea is irrelevant and unfashionable? Wrong. Since the turn of the millennium a revitalised feminist movement has emerged to challenge these assumptions. Based on a survey of over a thousand feminists, Reclaiming the F Word reveals the what, why and how of today's feminism, from cosmetic surgery to celebrity culture, from sex to singleness and now, in this new edition, the gendered effects of possibly the worst economic crisis ever. This is a generation-defining book demanding nothing less than freedom and equality, for all.
'Reclaiming the F Word is a positive, upbeat survey of the contemporary fight for women's rights. Feminism never went away, but right now it's more essential than ever. Give a copy of this book to every teenager in your life.' Laurie Penny 'A lucid and lively examination of the state of contemporary feminism from two women who really know what they're talking about. Most importantly, at a time when it's easy to feel down-hearted about the state we're in, this book is full of hope.' Libby Brooks, deputy comment editor, Guardian 'If you thought feminism was dead or drawing its pension, think again. Savvy, witty and politically passionate, Reclaiming the F Word explains what today’s feminists want, and describes what they are doing to make it happen. Whether or not you actually call yourself a feminist, if you care about gender equality and justice you will want to read this book.' Deborah Cameron, author of The Myth of Mars and Venus 'The most wide-ranging, the most globally-oriented and in many respects the most radical [new feminist release ... Practical, positive, and refreshingly free from navel-gazing. I can’t put it any better than the prologue - ‘it’s optimistic, rolling-up-your-sleeves-and-getting-things-done feminism’’ Delilah Campbell, Trouble and Strife 'There has never been a better, more exciting time to be a feminist. This book shows the positive impact of feminism on our daily lives. Reclaiming The F Word should be every woman's - and many men's - bedside companion.' Zoe Margolis, aka Abby Lee, author of Girl With A One Track Mind 'Anyone wanting to know what it means to be a feminist: read this book. You are sure to be inspired by how necessary feminism remains both for changing societies and liberating ourselves.' Amy Richards, author of "Manifesta" and "Opting In" 'Redfern and Aune have arrived with their arms full of ideas, encouragement and action for human beings who think that it would be a blooming good idea if everyone was treated equally regardless of their gender ... Redfern and Aune’s contribution on women’s political involvement provides a robust and important contribution to this rejuvenated feminist debate ... [a] must-have DIY guide to feminist action' Anthea McTeirnan, The Irish Times
Catherine Redfern is founder of The F Word website. In 2002 the site was highly commended by Women in Publishing's New Venture Awards, and in 2003 Redfern was named by the Guardian as one of 50 'Women to Watch'. Now over twelve years old, The F Word (www.thefword.org.uk) is recognised as having contributed to a revived interest in feminism amongst younger women and men, and continues to provide a voice for the UK's feminist community today. Kristin Aune is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Derby, where she teaches on feminism, gender and religion. She has been involved in feminist groups for more than a decade and has published widely on gender, religion and feminism. Her books include Women and Religion in the West: Challenging Secularization (2008) and Christianity and the University Experience: Understanding Student Faith (2013).