Published in 1998 as Britain came out of the long, dark years of Thatcherism, The New Feminism was written to reclaim feminism and show women that it was relevant to their lives and not just about man-hating lesbians.

Walter clearly had a bad experience in which she felt she was pushed away from feminism because she enjoyed sex with men and this colours her approach to the subject. She's very keen to rebut claims made by some of the more radical 1970s feminists like Germaine Greer and Gloria Steinem like the infamous 'all men are rapists'. Walter is vehement in her view that feminism should keep its nose out of people's bedrooms. Which would be fine if sex and sexuality weren't the very areas where misogyny and inequality continue to exist. I think she's right to point out that radical anti-male statements aren't helpful in engaging people in the feminist cause, but she doesn't explore the media's role in promoting this as the single narrative about a movement that was/is incredibly diverse.

The book is also very much a product of its time, not just because the Spice Girls' statements about girl power are often referenced! The focus is on material needs and wants which feels like a product of the individualistic materialistic 1980s and early 90s.

I have to admit that my hackles were raised for much of this book. I have marked numerous pages where Walter's statements provoked me, none more so than when she claims that Margaret Thatcher was an unsung feminist icon who did a lot to advance the cause of women. Really?? I don't remember universal free child care being introduced during her rule. I don't remember sexual violence against women disappearing between 1979 and 1990. ( )