Books
“The Gender Knot”
by Allan G. Johnson
This is my absolute FAVORITE book on patriarchy! It explains how patriarchy works from a sociological perspective. It’s both accessible and powerful. Allan explains how patriarchy creates “paths of least resistance” which make it easier for people to act in a patriarcal way. It shows how standing up against patriarchy is similar to carving a new path in a forest. It’s doable but it takes work and conscious effort. Please read this book!!
“Not that Bad”
by Roxanne Gay
I highly recommend this book if you want to understand better the experiences of survivors. Each survivor has written their own chapter, retelling their experience in a raw, powerful way. I’m not going to lie, it’s a really intense book. It took me months to read it because I was crying at every chapter. But, it is incredibly powerful and insightful.
“The will to change”
by Bell Hooks
I highly recommend this book if you want to understand how patriarchy impact men. Bell focuses on how they are socialised from a young age to deny their emotions, suppress their vulnerability and isolate. She explains how feminism, far from being “anti-male” is actually a powerful tool to remove the conditionings that men and women have received. She also suggests a redefinition of masculinity in which men can embrace their emotions, empathy and mutual respect.
“La puissance sexuelle des femmes”
by Joëlle Smets
For my French-speakers out there, no matter your gender, I recommend reading this book if you want to understand all the conditionings, injunctions and myths surrounding female sexuality. Joëlle explores the roots of female insatisfaction in bed, showing how patriarchy’s messages are preventing them from accessing their own pleasure.