Lineages of the Feminine

Reviewed by: Madiha Noman – University of Cambridge, UK

Published by: Cambridge: Polity Press, 2023, 317pp. ISBN: 978-1509555086.

The book under review is an interesting read that at times provokes, at times invites deep reflection, and occasionally seems almost too ambitious in its examination of women’s historical and contemporary status. This book is undeniably a thorough investigation into the evolving roles of women throughout history and across cultures, and it does set itself apart from many traditional feminist texts. Todd, an eminent French anthropologist, attempts to trace the historical trajectory of female roles and their implications for contemporary society. As suggested by the subtitle, the book’s vast scope and Todd’s complex anthropological terminology provide both challenges and insights for those readers eager to understand the current state of gender. Despite the contentious nature of some arguments, the book offers a broad view of our current position. Perhaps the most impactful shift is looking at the present as a time that is post-liberation for women and, to quote Todd, “matriarchal” in its leanings. This perspective shift is significant. It makes one wonder if we have made substantial historical strides in gender equality, what has been the outcome of this success? Have we reached a point where we can pause and reflect on the achievements of feminist struggles? Many would argue that more work is needed, yet Todd’s intervention encourages readers to view the “history of women” from a fresh angle. It is interesting to note the book’s reliance on the term “false consciousness” to understand the nature of the West today, with the “status and emancipation of women at the center” of this false consciousness. The term captures a very valid idea of “western narcissism” and the rapidly failing illusions of the West as a site of progress and justice.