How to Raise a Feminist Son REVIEW
HOW TO RAISE A FEMINIST SON by Dr. Sonora Jha is part memoir, part manifesto that provides insight, research, and practical advice on resisting patriarchal parenting. Dr. Jha uses her lived experiences growing up in Mumbai and later living as a single mother in America to frame the necessity of raising feminist sons. From navigating conversations around sex and consent to power dynamics and social media, each chapter offers helpful tips and resources and ends with a list of actionable items for practice/reflection.
This book couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. As a millennial mother with a young son, many of my discussions with my friends center the idea of raising feminist and socially conscious children. This intentional way of child rearing is a form of active resistance against patriarchy, misogyny/misogynoir, racism, capitalism, homophobia, transphobia, and every other oppressive societal norm upon which empire sits.
I particularly appreciated learning more about Dr. Jha’s culture, especially the gods and goddesses from which she’s drawn motivation along her parenting journey. It was especially moving reading how Black Lives Matter impacted Dr. Jha’s perspective on race and anti-Blackness in America, that such racial realities play a significant role in the way Black and brown folks must parent our children.
Dr. Jha gives hope of a better future for us all. I'm grateful to her for writing a wonderful book for a millennial mama like me.
This is the book for you, if you love:
Feminist film, TV, and books
Own Voices narratives
Practical advice
Thoughtful journal reflections
Whether you read this alone or grab a few of your parent friends to join... this book should find a spot on your shelf.
Pre-order HOW TO RAISE A FEMINIST SON now!
Special thanks to Sasquatch Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
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