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A review by imaginary_space
Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism: And Other Arguments for Economic Independence by Kristen R. Ghodsee
informative
inspiring
4.5
First of all, this book was much more than I expected from a book about life in communist countries by a US author. All the more so because the author clearly stated in her introduction that it was written for a US audience. So I was quite prepared not to be the target audience and not to rate this book any lower because I appreciate when authors manage expectations so clearly and not everything has to be for everyone.
That said, this book is well researched, as the author is an expert in her field, with years of study and personal experience. The content is much less tendentious than the title might suggest, but I would not call the title misleading, and I hope this will encourage more people to pick up the book. Ghodsee looks at each subject she touches on from different angles, criticising state socialism where criticism is due and not blind to the problems of the real socialism of the past. What she proposes is a future that combines the best of both worlds.
I would have liked more depth in some chapters, but this is an introductory work aimed at a non-academic audience. Further reading is recommended and a list of books is provided.
Topics and chapters I found particularly interesting/informative:
That said, this book is well researched, as the author is an expert in her field, with years of study and personal experience. The content is much less tendentious than the title might suggest, but I would not call the title misleading, and I hope this will encourage more people to pick up the book. Ghodsee looks at each subject she touches on from different angles, criticising state socialism where criticism is due and not blind to the problems of the real socialism of the past. What she proposes is a future that combines the best of both worlds.
I would have liked more depth in some chapters, but this is an introductory work aimed at a non-academic audience. Further reading is recommended and a list of books is provided.
Topics and chapters I found particularly interesting/informative:
- How even state-mandated socialism, with its official basis of equality, was still influenced and shaped by patriarchy - in the home and at the state level.
- The constant emphasis on sexual economics in a capitalist, patriarchal society where marriage is itself a capitalist exchange. I am in a heterosexual relationship, and this has helped me to reflect on why we both have virtually no interest in getting married, apart from making arrangements in case of illness, injury or death - there is no exchange of free labour for financial stability/housing in my relationship, and therefore no need for us to sign a mutual contract.
- The life and work of (and the patriarchal backlash against) Alexandra Kollontai.
- How so many of the freedoms, rights and social protections for women won during the Cold War came about because the West didn't want to appear less progressive than the Eastern bloc.
I will definitely be reading more of Ghodsee's work.