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Joan Smith's Misogynies

With Jenni Murray. In 1989, Joan Smith's book Misogynies caused controversey by arguing there was sexism everywhere, from our courts to our cinemas. 25 years on, what has changed?

It's been 25 years since the first publication of Joan Smith's book Misogynies. In 1989, this collection of essays created shock waves with its analyses of everything from Page 3, violence in films, women in the clergy and the bungled Yorkshire Ripper murder investigation. But how much have things really moved on in the past quarter century? Jenni talks to crime writer Val McDermid about the culture Misogynies sprang from and to Alex Clark about current feminist literature. Martin Daubney and Dr Claire Hardaker discuss the impact that online pornography and trolling have on society and we talk to a group of men about joining the fight against misogyny.

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45 minutes

Chapters

  • Misogynies by Joan Smith: 25 Years On

    How much have things really moved on in the past quarter Century?

    Duration: 08:38

  • The Cultural Background of Misogynies

    Why would a woman first encountering the book in the 90s find so much to identify with?

    Duration: 07:05

  • Who are the new wave of feminst writers?

    literary critic Alex Clark suggests books for a new generation of feminists.

    Duration: 04:28

  • Online Misogyny

    How seriously should we take online misogyny?

    Duration: 09:10

  • Teaching boys about gender equality

    The former rapper and comedian Doc Brown on talking to young men about gender issues.

    Duration: 04:39

  • Who Are The Men Joining The Fight Against Misogyny?

    Why are a new generation of men are joining the fight against misogyny?

    Duration: 06:17

Misogynies by Joan Smith: 25 Years On

It’s been 25 years since the first publication of Joan Smith’s book Misogynies. In 1989, this collection of essays created shock waves with its analyses of everything from Page 3, violence in films, women in the clergy and the bungled Yorkshire Ripper murder trial.  But how much have things really moved on in the past quarter Century?  Joan joins Jenni to investigate misogyny past and present.

The Cultural Background of Misogynies

The 1980s saw increases in female employment and women’s progress in the professions and more women went to university. It also saw a woman running the country, with Margaret Thatcher serving as Prime Minister for the entire decade. So why did it give rise to Joan’s concern with misogyny and why would a younger woman first encountering the book in the 90s find so much to identify with? Jenni talks to Joan Smith, author of Misogynies, to the writer and journalist Val McDermid and to journalist .

Who are the new wave of feminst writers?

As Misogynies by Joan Smith turns 25, the literary critic Alex Clark suggests recent and upcoming books which are on the crest of the fourth wave of feminism.  

Online Misogyny

Misogyny hit the headlines last week when student Elliot Rodger killed six people in California, shortly after publishing a women-hating manifesto online.  Despite his parents contacting the police with concerns prior to the mass murder, they felt any action against Rodger was unnecessary.  So how seriously should we take online misogyny?  Jenni talks to journalist Martin Daubney and Dr Claire Hardaker about whether online activity, from trolling to violent pornography, reflects misogyny in society, or if it perpetuates the problem. 

Teaching boys about gender equality

is an initiative which is all about engaging young men and boys in gender equality. The charity is organising men, like former rapper and stand-up comedian Doc Brown, to visit schools and run workshops exploring gender issues.  Felicity Finch went to the Kelmscott Secondary School in East London to see Doc Brown in action.

Who Are The Men Joining The Fight Against Misogyny?

How has the relationship between men and the women’s movement changed since the publication of Misogynies in 1989? In the aftermath of the Elliot Rodger shootings, thousands of men shared their support for women's experiences of misogyny in the #YesAllWomen twitter campaign. And a new generation of men are joining the fight against misogyny. But no matter how much a man supports the women’s movement – can he actually call himself a feminist?  Jenni is joined by , who writes on men’s issues and feminism for The Guardian and student, blogger and male feminist Lewis Merryweather.

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Jenni Murray
Interviewed Guest Joan Smith
Interviewed Guest Val McDermid
Interviewed Guest Alex Clark
Interviewed Guest Martin Daubney
Interviewed Guest Claire Hardaker
Interviewed Guest Ally Fogg

Broadcast

  • Thu 5 Jun 2014 10:00

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