The Vast and the Spurious

If feminism is a noble cause, why is it so unpopular? And why is there more anger between men and women than ever before? In the age of the Women's March and Me Too, many women believe they are at war. At the same time, men are boycotting marriage, and anti-feminist groups are on the rise. There is a backlash against feminism. Some dismiss it as misogyny, but that is a mistake. Unless the movement answers its critics, it will never gain mass support and the gender wars will rage 'til doomsday. What is the real state of feminism today? The Vast and the Spurious sorts truth from lies, posing 25 problems to do with: male privilege rape culture the gender pay gap feminism's war against its enemies, men's rights activists. This book is sympathetic to the real problems women face, yet argues they will only achieve real equality when feminism is reformed. With its clear and witty style, The Vast and the Spurious is a compelling read for those interested in the current state of women's rights, men's rights, and the gender war. This is no angry polemic, but a light-hearted, factual and fair introduction to feminism's various hypocrisies and contradictions.Karen Straughan. 'Whether for the uninitiated, the curious, or the indoctrinated, this book offers a witty rebuttal to modern feminist claims and exaggerations. Grounded in common sense and empathy, it makes the rational case, too rarely heard, for harmony between the sexes and respect for men's contributions.Janice Fiamengo, Professor of English, University of Ottawa, Canada, and editor of Sons of Feminism: Men Have Their Say.