Reviews - Usynlige kvinder

I defy anyone to read this book and not grind their teeth in frustration at the astonishing stories of sexist data and decision-making that Criado Perez cites. Many of the examples are so gobsmacking - the fact that was not a requirement to use female crash test dummies in trials until very recently; the housing built in India without kitchens; that drugs tend not to be tested on women as they 'complicate the results' - that they stick in the mind long after finishing the book. The diagnosis and call for change is well-researched and, by even halfway through, undeniable.

My main criticism of the book is that, by sticking so doggedly to the data failures that impact our world, Criado Perez doesn't draw back and provide the wider societal commentary as effectively. To me, this litany of horrors is evidence of a society suffused with misogyny, not simply one that has men unthinkingly forgetting to take women into account in their decisions. Clearly it would be an improvement for their to be more women's voices around boardroom/medical/cabinet tables, but one has to ask why we haven't got there so far.

macochran's review against another edition

5.0

Loads of great data; unfortunately I doubt most of the men I know would read it.

pboom11's review against another edition

4.0

A pretty necessary piece of non-fiction. Does not do an overwhelmingly good job of trying to persuade why sexism is problematic, or give a ton of positive/feel-good solutions, but it does provide a series of important objective and subjective points regarding the problems that exist due to the construction of society around a clear male bias.

madelinekeo's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 40%

This book has a focus on women, but more so has a focus on work. It has a definitely capitalistic view of women in regards to their ability to work, but I don’t think that the issue with society is not being equitable toward women, but toward people who are less productive. There’s not enough capitalistic critique almost halfway through, so I’m done reading it.

caraellen's review against another edition

4.5

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

A great book on such an important topic. I think it is sad that this book is completely missing any mention of trans/non-binary people, and the intersectionality that this would add. However I am glad that POC‘s experiences were covered in detail and as far as I can tell very well. I knew a lot of what was covered here but still learned something and found this very interesting. Also the narration by the author was wonderful.

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