Ellen Bravo unmasks the patronizing and trivializing tactics employed by “the big boys” in Taking On the Big Boys: Or Why Feminism Is Good for Families, Business, and the Nation. The “big boys” are depicted as those who strive to maintain the status quo and devalue women’s work. They continually blame women’s lack of progress as being tied to their own choices, as well as mothers who complain they are poor whilst continuing to care at home for their children full-time. The “big boys” are viewed as controlling the wealth and power in America, with their surrogates holding women back. Bravo portrays the corporate elite as driving women out of top jobs and devaluing their work as care givers.
In this novel, Bravo conveys the negative portrayal towards feminism; a view of women being against men and outrageous demands for pay equity, family leave and flexible working arrangements. Bravo argues for a system of laws, beliefs and practices that strongly value women and women’s work, as well as activist strategies to achieve a society where both men and women reach their potential. This will then allow feminism and the women’s labor movement to become significant for families, business and the country.
Bravo chooses not to focus on the glass ceiling, but rather the blueprints to redesign the building from the ground up to benefit women, men, families and the bottom line. The common themes addresses are race, class and gender. The novel provides a comprehensive view from stories related to women’s testimonies from offices, assembly lines, hospitals and schools, as well as stories from business and government. The main issues for women in the workplace that are addressed include, pay equity, work-family issues, women’s participation in certain occupations, sexual harassment, the right to organize, part-time and temporary jobs, welfare reform, and women’s work outside of their job. Each chapter effectively examines the myths surrounding the issue, clarifies the problem, and proposes detailed solutions and unveiling the “big boys” who benefit from gender discrimination.
Bravo provides practical tips from dealing with a sexual harasser to sharing chores in the household which builds on equal relationships. There are also activist strategies for readers to help achieve an equal society in their everyday lives. Overall, Taking on the Big Boys, is a valuable resource for gender equality with realistic, attainable suggestions for change.
Bravo is the recipient of a Women of Vision Award from the Ms. Foundation and holds nationwide lectures as well as women’s studies teaching.
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