Citadels of Pride
Sexual Abuse, Accountability, and Reconciliation
by Martha C. Nussbaum
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Pub Date 11 May 2021 | Archive Date 30 Apr 2021
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Description
A groundbreaking exploration of sexual violence by one of our most celebrated experts in law and philosophy.
In this essential philosophical and practical reckoning, Martha C. Nussbaum, renowned for her eloquence and clarity of moral vision, shows how sexual abuse and harassment derive from using people as things to one’s own benefit—like other forms of exploitation, they are rooted in the ugly emotion of pride. She exposes three “Citadels of Pride” and the men who hoard power at the apex of each. In the judiciary, the arts, and sports, Nussbaum analyzes how pride perpetuates systemic sexual abuse, narcissism, and toxic masculinity. The courage of many has brought about some reforms, but justice is still elusive—warped sometimes by money, power, or inertia; sometimes by a collective desire for revenge.
By analyzing the effects of law and public policy on our ever-evolving definitions of sexual violence, Nussbaum clarifies how gaps in U.S. law allow this violence to proliferate; why criminal laws dealing with sexual assault and Title VII, the federal law that is the basis for sexual harassment doctrine, need to be complemented by an understanding of the distorted emotions that breed abuse; and why anger and vengeance rarely achieve lasting change.
Citadels of Pride offers a damning indictment of the culture of male power that insulates high-profile abusers from accountability. Yet Nussbaum offers a hopeful way forward, envisioning a future in which, as survivors mobilize to tell their stories and institutions pursue fair and nuanced reform, we might fully recognize the equal dignity of all people.
About the Author:
Martha C. Nussbaum is the Ernst Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics at the University of Chicago, appointed in the law school and philosophy department. She is the author of numerous books and articles on moral, legal, and political philosophy, and recipient of many awards, including the Berggruen Prize, one of the world's most significant recognitions for public intellectuals.
Advance Praise
"In Citadels of Pride, Martha C. Nussbaum shines a light on long-standing and deep-rooted issues of sexual harassment and assault that continue to plague big-time sports and lays out a provocative plan for controlling institutions to become leaders in effecting change. Not everyone will agree with her recommendations, but this book should be mandatory reading for anyone who cares deeply about the need for reform." - Adam Silver, commissioner of the National Basketball Association
"Martha C. Nussbaum brings unflinching clarity and wisdom to illuminate shame and pride, the operations of power and retribution surrounding sexual violence and intimidation. Nussbaum’s distinctive fusion of law and philosophy exposes failures of recent reforms and points toward constructive future paths." - Martha Minow, former dean of Harvard Law School
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9781324004110 |
| PRICE | US$27.95 (USD) |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Alyse W, Reviewer
*Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This book is not easy read, due to the serious subject matter, but it is absolutely a necessary one and is incredibly powerful. Martha Nussbaum explores subjects of sexual violence, abuse, and harassment of women and how they are related to the pride of those who commit these crimes. She focuses on three major 'citadels of pride', law, arts, and sports and and how pride of masculinity becomes absolutely toxic when given so much power and control.
She makes some strong statements throughout the book but backs them up with facts and the reality facing women. I found myself repeatedly muttering "YES" and "THANK YOU FINALLY SOMEONE SAID IT" in agreement with her solutions to these problems. She hits the nail on the head so many times and isn't afraid to call things as they are - even if some of her solutions are not going to be popular among many people (especially the sports crowd).
There were times while reading that I just needed to get up and pace, spurred on by frustration and anger at the injustice of it all. But Nussbaum is clear that her intention is not simply to incite anger and hatred, but instead to work past that to achieve real lasting change. She doesn't just lay out all the negatives of the situation - she gives her own ideas as to how to change these problems. And I really appreciate her inclusion of all the work that has already been done to better the laws and take away the power from those that abuse it. It can be really easy to focus on how much more there is to do, but we also need to acknowledge and celebrate what has already been done. This book will want to make you cheer for those who have already worked so hard, ignite a passion to do more, and fight against the poison of toxic masculine pride.
Michael A, Educator
Martha Nussbaum offers an insightful and passionately written condemnation of our culture of toxic masculinity. Her examination of the 'citadels' of law, arts, and sports, illustrate the pervasive nature of the problem in the fabric of our society. Identifying the fragile male ego at the heart of much of the gender based violence and discrimination is a direct and necessary shot across the bows of critics who attempt to extricate male behaviors from the experience of gendered violence and discrimination. I think this text works particularly well alongside Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's "We Should All Be Feminists"
Hannah J, Media/Journalist
A fantastically important and thoughtful book about how sexual assault and sexual harassment play out in the fields of law, the arts, and sports. Her arguments are at once logical and shocking. I highly recommend this book and suspect many feminists will use it as both inspiration and playbook.
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