New Sex Wars: Sexual Harm in the #MeToo Era

The New Sex Wars revisits the sex wars of the 1970s and 80s and examines their influence on how we think about sexual harm in the #MeToo era. It reveals that these clashes are nothing new and that tensions between the need for recognition and protection under the law and the colossal failure of that law to redress historic injustice have shaped the #MeToo era. Cossman argues for a different way forward, based on reparative models that focus on shared desired outcomes and the willingness to understand the other side.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2021
Publisher: New York University Press

The #MeToo movement, which erupted on social media in October 2017, brought to light the prevalence of sexual violence and caused the downfall of numerous celebrities and politicians. However, as the movement gained momentum, a conflict arose among feminist supporters and detractors regarding the appropriate punishment and the pursuit of justice.

Brenda Cossman's book, The New Sex Wars, delves into these debates, revealing that they are not new. Cossman explores the history of past conflicts, such as the resistance to finding common ground, the media's portrayal of the debates as polarized cat fights, and the simplification of viewpoints as pro- or anti-sex. She demonstrates how these conflicts have shaped the #MeToo era.

From the 70s to the present, Cossman examines tensions between the need for recognition and protection under the law and the colossal failure of that law to redress historic injustice. #MeToo has led us to question whether justice can be served outside of the courtroom. Cossman advocates for a different approach, one based on reparative models that focus on shared desired outcomes and the willingness to understand the other side.

The New Sex Wars is a thought-provoking and compelling book that explores what can be learned from these stories, what traps we repeatedly fall into, how we have been denied our anger, and where to begin to make law work. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of sexual harm and the ongoing struggle for justice.

Weight: 598g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479802708