Living Dolls: The Return of Sexism

Living Dolls: The Return of Sexism examines the resurgence of sexist attitudes and gender stereotypes in modern Western culture. Natasha Walter investigates how hypersexualization and biological determinism have gained renewed influence in society. The book is structured in two parts - the first focusing on the pressure on women and girls to conform to narrow standards of physical beauty and sexual performance. The second section challenges claims about innate biological differences between male and female brains and behavior. Walter draws on interviews, research, and cultural analysis to trace these trends through media, science, and personal experiences. She examines phenomena like the rise of "raunch culture," the marketing of pink toys to girls, and the impact of evolutionary psychology on gender discussions. The work raises questions about freedom of choice versus social conditioning, and challenges readers to consider how supposedly progressive sexual liberation may reinforce traditional power structures. Its examination of these issues contributes to ongoing debates about feminism and gender roles in the 21st century.

Readers note Walter's research on raunch culture, porn influence, and gender stereotyping. The book resonated with parents concerned about hyper-sexualization of young girls. Readers appreciated: - Clear examples and evidence supporting arguments - Personal interviews and case studies - Balance between academic research and accessible writing - Focus on both biological determinism and social conditioning Common criticisms: - Too much focus on middle-class white women's experiences - Some repetitive arguments - Limited solutions or action steps proposed - Second half of book weaker than first half Several readers felt the book failed to acknowledge sex-positive feminism perspectives. One reader noted: "Walter presents complex issues as overly black and white." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,400+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.1/5 (80+ reviews) Amazon US: 3.8/5 (40+ reviews) Most common descriptors in reviews: "thought-provoking," "well-researched," "relevant," "one-sided"

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🔹 The book's author, Natasha Walter, previously wrote "The New Feminism" (1998), which took a more optimistic view of women's progress - making "Living Dolls" (2010) a stark reversal of her earlier position. 🔹 The title "Living Dolls" references both the Barbie doll phenomenon and the term "living dolls" used in the 1950s and '60s to describe Playboy Bunnies. 🔹 Walter interviews numerous young women for the book, including pole dancers and glamour models, presenting their first-hand experiences with the hypersexualization of modern culture. 🔹 The book is divided into two distinct parts: "The New Sexism" which examines the rise of raunch culture, and "The New Determinism" which challenges biological determinism in gender roles. 🔹 Following the book's publication, Walter founded "Women for Refugee Women," an organization supporting women seeking asylum in the UK who have fled rape, forced prostitution, and other forms of gender-based violence.