PATRIARCHY INC. offers a razor-sharp and quick-witted analysis of why we need a new approach to fixing the gender inequality embedded in work.

Work - who does what tasks in society, and what they get in return - is at the heart of social justice. Even today, the gender system brings about a gendered division of labour that is both cause and consequence of men's greater status and power. These dynamics limit what we can do and be, unfairly tip the scales when it comes to what we get in return, create gendered distortions of competence and productivity, and irrational resistance to reforms that would make our workplaces more productive and fairer. The effects seep well beyond workplaces, contributing to poverty, undermining health, putting pressure on family life and preserving females' second-class status, and causing real harm and injustice for both sexes.


But progress in dismantling these arrangements is being stymied by two false visions that pervade mainstream debate and discussion.

The business-case Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DEI) approach offers us band-aid solutions, sold to powerful stakeholders with promises of enhanced profits and performance, while "Different But Equal" perspectives reassure that contemporary arrangements are fair, and reflect natural differences between the sexes.


In response, Patriarchy Inc. offers perceptive and much-needed insight into persistent inequalities in who does what and who gets what, dispels the false visions of gender equality that distract us, and charts a path towards effective, common-sense reforms that will make workplaces and society fairer and freer for everyone.

About the Author

Cordelia Fine is a Canadian-born British academic and writer. Her work analyses scientific and popular biological explanations of behavioural sex differences and workplace gender inequalities, explores the effects of gender-related attitudes and biases on judgements and decision-making, and contributes to debates about workplace gender equality.

She is the author of three popular science books, published in 13 languages. Among other accolades, Testosterone Rex won the Royal Society Insight Investment Science Book Prize. Delusions of Gender was listed in 'Ten books about women that will change your life' (Sunday Times), '22 books women think men should read' (Huffington Post), 'Top 10 books on women in the past 30 years' (The Australian) and the New York Public Library's 'Essential Reads on Feminism, 100 Years After the 19th Amendment', among others.

In recognition of her work on the understanding of gender stereotypes, challenging gender perceptions and contributions to public discourse to close the gender gap, Cordelia Fine was awarded the 2018 Edinburgh Medal by the City of Edinburgh Council, to honour men and women of science who have made a significant contribution to the understanding and well-being of humanity.

Cordelia is also a professor in the History & Philosophy of Science in the School of Historical & Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne.

Book Information
ISBN 9781838953355
Author Cordelia Fine
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Atlantic Books
Publisher Atlantic Books