Lineages of the Feminine: An Outline of the History of Women

The #MeToo movement, criticism of femicide, and critique of patriarchal domination are all signs of an anthropological revolution. Emmanuel Todd argues that the emancipation of women has led to new tensions and contradictions, such as economic anxiety, the disorientation of anomie, and individual and class resentment. He explores the evolution of the male/female relationship through the long history of the human species and conducts a broad empirical study of the convergence between men and women today. He also shows how and why Western countries are less universal than they think in their new feminist revolution.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

We are witnessing a profound shift in our understanding of human relationships, driven by the #MeToo movement, the denunciation of femicide, and a growing critique of patriarchal dominance. This sudden surge of an antagonistic view of the relationship between men and women emerges at a time when progress is accelerating and the goals of first- and second-wave feminism appear within reach. In his book, anthropologist and historian Emmanuel Todd explores this phenomenon while acknowledging the persistence of significant inequalities. He argues that while women have indeed achieved emancipation, it has brought about new tensions and contradictions. As women gain greater freedom, they also encounter traditional male social issues such as economic anxiety, anomie, and individual and class resentment. However, because they are still women with the ability to bear children, their burden as human beings, although more affluent, becomes more challenging to bear than that of men.

To understand our current situation, Todd traces the evolution of the male/female relationship throughout human history, from the emergence of Homo sapiens a hundred thousand years ago to the present. He conducts a comprehensive empirical study examining the convergence between men and women in various aspects of life, including education, employment, longevity, suicide and homicide, electoral behavior, and racism. He also delves into the connections between women's liberation and other societal transformations, such as the collapse of religion, the decline of industry, the diminishing prevalence of homophobia, the rise of bisexuality, and the transgender phenomenon. Additionally, he explores the decline in a sense of collective belonging.

Through his comprehensive analysis, Todd challenges our preconceived notions and sheds light on the complex dynamics shaping our relationships today. He emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and collaboration to create a more equitable and inclusive society where all individuals can thrive. This book is a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue about gender equality and serves as a call to action for individuals and communities to work towards a more harmonious and fulfilling future.

ISBN-13: 9781509555086