I'm not the only who has been engrossed in early editions of Michelle Goldberg's new book, The Means of Reproduction: Sex, Power, and the Future of the World. Mandy Van Deven offers a thoughtful interview with Goldberg at Religion Dispatches (another version of which appears at RH Reality Check). The Feminist Review reviews the book. And, if I may humbly note, I have an interview with Goldberg forthcoming through Bitch Magazine.
Where's this buzz coming from? Well, it's a fantastic, fascinating book. Goldberg's investigation into the intersection of the war on reproductive freedom and the global war for power spans four continents. From the HIV/AIDS epidemic to female circumcision to overpopulation to infant mortality to abortion rights, Goldberg analyzes how the means of reproduction influences the health of whole societies--even as women's rights have been sidelined by governments and social movements as, you know, "women's issues." Goldberg exposes how the control over reproduction is the key human rights struggle of the 21st century and the new globalized world.
And she does it in a concise, readable 236 pages.
Really, it's quite a story, one I haven't heard elsewhere, one that coheres so many "issues" that are too often isolated. From the movement to address the "population bomb" in the 1960s and 1970s (a movement I hadn't realized was so intense and political) to the fear of Communism spreading in developing countries to intra-religious doctrinal struggles, Goldberg performs something of a miracle of crystallization. The connections and intersections become clear. And what is seen is ... well, you've just got to see it.
Thanks for the mention, Anna! I think this book is a very important one for the future of organizing. Goldberg brings up so many sides to so many complex issues, and they are all well worth continuing to explore and discuss and argue about and organize around.
Posted by: Mandy Van Deven | March 24, 2009 at 02:16 AM
Agreed. Actually, I've been wondering about how to recommend the book to others because if I emphasize how the huge scope and implications and originality of the book, folks get the impression that it's some dry tome to wade through. If I emphasize the book's readability and ease and clarity, folks might think it's lightweight and not worth their time.
Right now, I'm more or less settling for calling it great and, as you mention, delighting in discussing it at any opportunity. Like so.
Posted by: Anna Clark | March 24, 2009 at 07:07 PM
I know. I get to avoid those conversations now by saying, 'Hey, read this interview!' LOL!
Posted by: Mandy Van Deven | March 25, 2009 at 07:40 AM