Feminism Against Progress

Mary Harrington's book "Feminism Against Progress" argues that the industrial-era faith in progress is turning against all but a tiny elite of women, as technology is liberating us from natural limits and embodied sex differences, making it easier to commodify womens bodies, human intimacy, and female reproductive abilities. This is a stark warning against a dystopian future where poor women become little more than convenient sources of body parts to be harvested and wombs to be rented by the rich.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2024
Publisher: Swift Press

In her book "Feminism Against Progress," Mary Harrington makes a compelling argument that the belief in progress prevalent during the industrial era is increasingly becoming exclusive to a small elite of women. Harrington suggests that the pursuit of women's liberation was not primarily driven by moral advancement but rather by the material consequences of the Industrial Revolution. As we transition into the age of AI, biotechnology, and pervasive computing, technology is freeing us from the natural limits and embodied sex differences. While this shift may bring certain benefits to a privileged class of successful professional women, it also facilitates the commodification of women's bodies, human intimacy, and reproductive abilities.

This alarming trend points towards a dystopian future where impoverished women are reduced to mere sources of body parts for harvest and rental by the wealthy. It is a stark warning that progress has ceased to serve the interests of the majority of women, and a feminist movement that remains skeptical of it is essential to safeguard the rights and well-being of women in the 21st century.

Harrington argues that the industrial-era faith in progress was rooted in the belief that technological advancements would lead to a better future for all. However, as we have witnessed, this progress has not been evenly distributed. Women, particularly those from marginalized communities, have faced systemic barriers and discrimination that have hindered their access to education, employment, and social mobility.

The feminist movement of the 20th century played a crucial role in challenging these inequalities and advocating for women's rights. However, Harrington argues that the focus on progress has overshadowed the need to address the underlying issues that perpetuate gender inequality. She suggests that a feminist movement that is skeptical of progress can better protect female interests by challenging the dominant narratives and power structures that perpetuate gender discrimination.

One of the key arguments made by Harrington is that the pursuit of progress has led to the commodification of women's bodies and reproductive abilities. The rise of the sex industry, the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault, and the exploitation of women in labor markets are all examples of how women's bodies are treated as commodities to be consumed and exploited.

Harrington argues that a feminist movement that is skeptical of progress can challenge these practices and advocate for the protection of women's rights and dignity. She suggests that we need to move beyond the narrow focus on economic empowerment and address the broader social and cultural factors that contribute to gender inequality.

Another important aspect of Harrington's book is her critique of the concept of "human progress." She argues that the idea of progress is often used to justify the exploitation and oppression of marginalized communities. By challenging the notion of progress, Harrington suggests that we can create a more just and equitable society that values the diversity and contributions of all individuals.

In conclusion, "Feminism Against Progress" is a thought-provoking and important book that challenges the dominant narratives of progress and advocates for a feminist movement that is skeptical of it. Harrington's arguments are grounded in empirical evidence and provide a compelling case for why we need to reevaluate our beliefs about progress and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800752047