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Beyond Power: On Women, Men and Morals
This examination of the nature and effects of power draws on the wide range of disciplines, including anthropology, history, political science, law, and theology--to investigate the sources of patriarchy
640 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
16 people are currently reading
651 people want to read
About the author
Marilyn French
52books267followersShe attended Hofstra University (then Hofstra College) where she also received a master's degree in English in 1964. She married Robert M. French Jr. in 1950; the couple divorced in 1967. She later attended Harvard University, earning a Ph.D in 1972. Years later she became an instructor at Hofstra University.
In her work, French asserted that women's oppression is an intrinsic part of the male-dominated global culture. Beyond Power: On Women, Men and Morals (1985) is a historical examination of the effects of patriarchy on the world.
French's 1977 novel, The Women's Room, follows the lives of Mira and her friends in 1950s and 1960s America, including Val, a militant radical feminist. The novel portrays the details of the lives of women at this time and also the feminist movement of this era in the United States. At one point in the book the character Val says "all men are rapists". This quote has often been incorrectly attributed to Marilyn French herself. French's first book was a thesis on James Joyce.
French was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 1992. This experience was the basis for her book A Season in Hell: A Memoir (1998).
She was also mentioned in the 1982 ABBA song, "The Day Before You Came". The lyrics that mentioned French were: "I must have read a while, the latest one by Marilyn French or something in that style".
French died from heart failure at age 79 on May 2, 2009 in Manhattan, New York City. She is survived by her son Robert and daughter Jamie.
In her work, French asserted that women's oppression is an intrinsic part of the male-dominated global culture. Beyond Power: On Women, Men and Morals (1985) is a historical examination of the effects of patriarchy on the world.
French's 1977 novel, The Women's Room, follows the lives of Mira and her friends in 1950s and 1960s America, including Val, a militant radical feminist. The novel portrays the details of the lives of women at this time and also the feminist movement of this era in the United States. At one point in the book the character Val says "all men are rapists". This quote has often been incorrectly attributed to Marilyn French herself. French's first book was a thesis on James Joyce.
French was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 1992. This experience was the basis for her book A Season in Hell: A Memoir (1998).
She was also mentioned in the 1982 ABBA song, "The Day Before You Came". The lyrics that mentioned French were: "I must have read a while, the latest one by Marilyn French or something in that style".
French died from heart failure at age 79 on May 2, 2009 in Manhattan, New York City. She is survived by her son Robert and daughter Jamie.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 21, 2008
Read this read this read this! This immense book, published in 1986 no less, reads alternately like a primitivist book, a feminist herstory of the world and power-over, an anthropological and social study, a call to each other’s arms, a feminist vision for the future, an insightful bullshit detector for our modern civilization, and so much more. While some of it is slightly dated, this book lays patriarchal, Western civilization bare and points to a way out. I wanted to reproduce large sections for this zine, but really don’t have the space. Of course I never agree with everything in a book, but this is feminist thought as anarchy, and she says so, too. What struck me the most was her repeated use of the term “felicity”. The joy and happiness and connection in life that we lack, that our societal structures and hierarchical interactions can’t provide. She argues against resistance as sacrifice and instead argues for resistance based on felicity. Meaning, you can’t shame and guilt someone into fighting for freedom, but we can make our fight into a movement that provides the feelings and well-being we need and currently don’t have. Highest recommendations.
July 2, 2014
This book... did more to expand my thinking, raise my consciousness and anger.
With friends/family, I would bring up something I had just read in "Beyond Power" only to have her/him/them fight tooth and nail as to why it wasn't so. I would say, "Why don't you read it, French says it so much better than I," but no one I ever discussed it with had ever read it, ever even read a page, even a paragraph of it, yet they all had an argument.
This book has not passed its "best before" date as someone put it in their review after abandoning their reading, and it makes me wonder just how far the person got. And no offense, the would-be or starter (of this book) reader is male. Just sayin'...
French came to Chicago for a book signing. I was so excited! I talked my mom into going with me, and as I got my book(s) signed and gushed over them, my mother said to her, "Your book caused so many fights in my family." French smiled at her and said, "Good." My mother never did read it.
I gave an extra copy I had away to someone who never returned it - maybe this means she read it and didn't want to let it go.
"Beyond Power" changed my life. One of only two books that I can say that about - the other is Kingsolver's "Poisonwood Bible."
Read this book (read both of these books). Be astonished.
With friends/family, I would bring up something I had just read in "Beyond Power" only to have her/him/them fight tooth and nail as to why it wasn't so. I would say, "Why don't you read it, French says it so much better than I," but no one I ever discussed it with had ever read it, ever even read a page, even a paragraph of it, yet they all had an argument.
This book has not passed its "best before" date as someone put it in their review after abandoning their reading, and it makes me wonder just how far the person got. And no offense, the would-be or starter (of this book) reader is male. Just sayin'...
French came to Chicago for a book signing. I was so excited! I talked my mom into going with me, and as I got my book(s) signed and gushed over them, my mother said to her, "Your book caused so many fights in my family." French smiled at her and said, "Good." My mother never did read it.
I gave an extra copy I had away to someone who never returned it - maybe this means she read it and didn't want to let it go.
"Beyond Power" changed my life. One of only two books that I can say that about - the other is Kingsolver's "Poisonwood Bible."
Read this book (read both of these books). Be astonished.
December 27, 2015
This book is dense, heavy, and intimidating. However, if you pace yourself and read it slowly and gently, it is an investment that pays off huge dividends. You can expect an intensely consciousness-raising experience. Profound. Incisive. Provocative. The book speaks to the core of non-verbalised aspects of how our lives are constructed.
February 18, 2011
This is an amazing book so far. Pretty deep but she really has a great perspective.
I would definitely read this one again since it is so rich with information and analysis.
I would definitely read this one again since it is so rich with information and analysis.
February 25, 2021
Almost every page is fascinating and insightful.
January 21, 2011
A "must read" for anyone interested in our communal journey as women.
June 29, 2014
Every page is jam-packed with information and provocative thought. This is a book to read slowly, correlating its offerings with everyday life during the process. It is life-changing.
December 18, 2007
Patriarchy is a system that values power and control over life and pleasure.
April 5, 2016
Best book on feminism I have ever read--changed my life! All MEN should read this book!
Want to read
February 25, 2021at university library
Want to read
December 27, 2016* Understanding Oppression: Women's Rights (Then and Now)
Beyond Power: On Women, Men and Morals by Marilyn French | French does believe that men and women live by different moralities and that a woman's morality is better her book which is many things is first and foremost a plea for the world to adopt a feminine morality. #socialsciences #womensrights
Beyond Power: On Women, Men and Morals by Marilyn French | French does believe that men and women live by different moralities and that a woman's morality is better her book which is many things is first and foremost a plea for the world to adopt a feminine morality. #socialsciences #womensrights
May 8, 2009
Buku ini sangat baik yang ingin mengetahui bagaimana Patriarki telah mengubah manusia menjadi 'kurang manusia' dalam artian laki-laki menjadi 'powerful' dan mengutamakan kuasa dan kontrol.
Buku dahysat, historical power relation within human struggle.
Buku dahysat, historical power relation within human struggle.
March 24, 2008
An anthropological study rather than a novel - still to finish it, but a fascinating account of the evolution of women and men throughout history.
Want to read
December 18, 2009I remember reading My Summer With George and I really liked it - I got that title ordered on audio CD from the library.
Can't seem to get this one, but I will try to read Beyond Power.
Can't seem to get this one, but I will try to read Beyond Power.
January 2, 2025
This is the kind of book that deserves to be taught in all women's studies courses. I also think that is where it would be the most digestible.
Because, I'll be honest, this book was dry at times, repetitious at others, and very overwritten, yet I learned so much from it. What this text would benefit from is being broken down into lectures--not only for increased understanding, but also because I think a classroom setting would generate some fascinating conversations.
I never thought myself all that interested in philosophy, but turns out that I was only ever taught it from the dead white male's perspective. Here, Marilyn French, asks us to imagine the unimaginable--what a world could look like without the "masculine" forces of strength, power, domination being placed on a pedestal, and instead putting "feminine" values such as cooperation, creativity, and community at the forefront. She then walks us through the history of the patriarchy, how it harms both men and women, and the ways in which women have been second class citizens their entire existence, whether in mythology, religion, government, or the personal life.
I found this to be so poignant even though it was written in 1985. A sad testament to how little has changed since then, and how far the human race has yet to go.
Because, I'll be honest, this book was dry at times, repetitious at others, and very overwritten, yet I learned so much from it. What this text would benefit from is being broken down into lectures--not only for increased understanding, but also because I think a classroom setting would generate some fascinating conversations.
I never thought myself all that interested in philosophy, but turns out that I was only ever taught it from the dead white male's perspective. Here, Marilyn French, asks us to imagine the unimaginable--what a world could look like without the "masculine" forces of strength, power, domination being placed on a pedestal, and instead putting "feminine" values such as cooperation, creativity, and community at the forefront. She then walks us through the history of the patriarchy, how it harms both men and women, and the ways in which women have been second class citizens their entire existence, whether in mythology, religion, government, or the personal life.
I found this to be so poignant even though it was written in 1985. A sad testament to how little has changed since then, and how far the human race has yet to go.
October 8, 2024
A must. I can no longer look at the world the same way. I am a bit nauseous. It's hard to believe the extent to which we would create laws and institutions to dominate and oppress others. This act disguised as morality and for the greater good. It's time for me to redefine and seek pleasure to enjoy the gifts of living.
Read
May 28, 2020French's time has come
January 27, 2024
This book hasn't aged nearly as much as I wish it had.
Read
April 7, 2018Long ago.
Only comment is "OK--very thick"
Only comment is "OK--very thick"
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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