Wilhelm Reich's The Sexual Revolution is a controversial yet influential work that explores the connection between sexual repression and social and political oppression. Reich, a psychoanalyst and disciple of Freud, argued that sexual repression is a fundamental aspect of societal control, hindering individual freedom and hindering revolutionary change. He believed that a free and healthy society requires sexual liberation and the dismantling of repressive social structures. The book's radical ideas on sexuality and its relationship to power have sparked considerable debate and continue to be relevant in discussions of social justice and personal liberation. Reich's work, though sometimes criticized for its unorthodox methods, remains a significant contribution to the understanding of the complex interplay between sexuality, power, and social change.
Unspeakable Things: Sex, Lies and Revolution is a provocative book that delves into issues of gender politics, neoliberalism, and personal struggles. Laurie Penny critiques societal norms, discussing topics such as misogyny, sexual freedom, and the impact of capitalism on gender roles. The book also includes personal narratives, offering a candid look at her experiences with activism and personal struggles like anorexia.
Bitch Doctrine: Essays for Dissenting Adults is a collection of essays by Laurie Penny that tackle topics such as feminism, culture, gender, and violence. The book offers a sharp critique of contemporary society, using humor and wit to challenge the status quo and envision a better future. It covers a range of issues, from the rise of the far-right to the importance of imagining alternative futures.
In 'The Telling', Ursula K. Le Guin crafts a narrative centered around Sutty, an Ekumen observer from Earth, who travels to the planet Aka. There, she encounters a society where traditional practices have been outlawed by a corporatist government, leading to a clash between the state and indigenous resistance. The novel delves into themes of cultural identity, political ideology, and the power of storytelling.
Penny Red: Notes from the New Age of Dissent brings together Laurie Penny's diverse writings, offering insights into what it means to be young, angry, and progressive in the face of an increasingly violent and oppressive society. The book captures the essence of dissent and activism in contemporary Britain.
In 'The Whole Woman', Germaine Greer critiques the notion that women have achieved equality, arguing instead for a deeper liberation that acknowledges and values the differences between men and women. The book addresses various issues such as domestic violence, body image, and the exploitation of women, challenging the complacency of post-feminist ideologies. Greer's work is characterized by her passionate and provocative style, making it a significant contribution to feminist discourse.
We are in an era of crisis, collapse, and reactionary tyrants, argues Laurie Penny, but we are also witnessing a transformation: a revolutionary change in how we define gender, sex, consent and whose bodies matter. In her new book, Sexual Revolution: Modern Fascism and the Feminist Fightback, Laurie offers an urgent analysis of this moment of sexual politics we are living through. Our host for the discussion is cultural historian and broadcaster Shahidha Bari.
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Intelligence Squared 
