Beatrix Campbell and Rahila Gupta’s latest book will be published on 3rd July 2025:
In 1995, the UN vowed to advance ‘equality, development and peace for all women, everywhere.’ Instead, in the Beijing Declaration’s thirtieth anniversary year, the world is lurching dangerously away from such democratic and progressive ideals—reinventing nationalist identities based on toxic-masculine values, and embracing economic policies against women’s interests. This reality exists in every type of country. Why does oppression, rather than feminism, still dominate our world?
This book reveals patriarchy’s many faces in the age of globalisation, exploring the political systems and cultures of eight very different societies. It takes readers from the extraordinary anti-capitalist women’s revolution in Kurdistan to the theocracies of Islamic State and Saudi Arabia; from China’s one-party state to Iceland’s democracy; and to South Africa, Russia and El Salvador—all radically changed since the fall of apartheid, communism and military dictatorship respectively.
Despite patriarchy’s remarkable shapeshifting powers to undermine feminist solidarity, Planet Patriarchy is equally a story of sisterhood and resistance, interviewing defenders of women’s rights about their cause and their country. Gender inequality endures, everywhere—but so does feminism. Campbell and Gupta’s fascinating discoveries show us how this timeless showdown is taking shape in, and being shaped by, the systems we live under today.
Reviews
‘Urgent, incisive and hugely readable. The authors—two of our most brilliant advocates for women’s rights—make visible the often hidden ways in which patriarchy remains so resilient.’ — Monica Ali
‘Two brilliant feminist writers survey the world and the inequality that is still meted out to women everywhere. This heartbreaking book describes ongoing patriarchal power in all its cruel manifestations, cataloguing the ways in which gains made by women are being subverted and rolled back through the rise of populist nationalisms. A powerful condemnation but also a call to arms!’ — Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC
‘My two favourite women to think with have been thinking with each other about why patriarchy does not die, and more importantly, how it adapts and shapeshifts in different contexts. This book helps us imagine how to dismantle the systems that deny women freedom.’ — Liz Kelly, former head of the Women’s National Commission, UK
‘This is a scholarly and thoughtful book—inspiring and challenging. There’s an idea on every page and outrage in every chapter. Ambitious in its scope, looking at women’s struggle for equality in seven countries, it still manages to tell individual stories of heroism. A frightening story of spreading patriarchy—and the heroines that stand against it.’ — Philippa Gregory, author of Normal Women
‘A vital, passionate and superbly written global dispatch from two of the most respected stateswomen of feminist activism.’ — Samira Ahmed, journalist and broadcaster
‘Wherever one stands in the debate over the meaning of patriarchy, this is a valuable investigation of the place in which women find themselves across the globe, and of their resistance to oppression.’ — Kenan Malik, Observer columnist and author of Not So Black and White
‘In this powerful series of dispatches from the frontlines of women’s oppression, Campbell and Gupta document patriarchy’s remarkable resilience. While they tell shocking stories of violence against women, they also celebrate the awesome wit, courage and creativity of feminist resistance. What an essential, intelligent and ultimately uplifting book!’ — Anne Karpf, sociologist, journalist and author of How Women Can Save the Planet
‘What becomes clear when reading this brilliantly researched but disturbing book, is that the patriarchy is still very much with us, in different forms, wherever you are. And progress for women seems to crucially depend on the flexibility that is permitted within a given social system, principally developed by men.’ — Vicky Pryce, author of Women vs Capitalism
‘A must-read. Campbell and Gupta reveal the myriad political, cultural and economic soils in which patriarchy can survive or reemerge—even after it appeared to be rolled back. But they graphically show that locally rooted, feminist-informed resistance also persists—from El Salvador to Saudi Arabia to South Africa. Every chapter here opened my eyes.’ — Cynthia Enloe, author of Twelve Feminist Lessons of War
‘At times enraging but ultimately inspiring, this landmark book of our contested and troubled times vividly tells how patriarchies have adapted and endured. A crucial report from the front lines and an invigorating call to arms.’ — Carne Ross, author and former senior British diplomat
‘Drawing on extensive research and countless conversations with women around the world, the authors offer a powerful, wide-ranging analysis of patriarchy—showing how it may vary in degree across countries and cultures, yet retains a persistent and recognisable form. They remind us of the enduring link between patriarchy and war, violence and dehumanising politics. The path forward lies through feminist collective action.’ — Halla Gunnarsdóttir, Leader of VR Union, Iceland
‘Beautifully written and deeply researched. Campbell and Gupta expose the patriarchal foundations of capitalism, religion and the state that oppress and, all too often, destroy women. They also offer hope: from small enclaves of local resistance to Rojava’s feminist-forward society, they grace us with the examples, tools and fortitude we need right now to fight for a liberated future.’ — Debbie Bookchin, journalist, author and co-founder of the Emergency Committee for Rojava
‘Campbell and Gupta unravel the intricate threads of global misogyny with clarity and grace. They show how patriarchy doesn’t collapse–it recalibrates, feeding off neoliberalism, nationalism and silence. A transformative journey into the heart of feminist thought.’ — Maryam Aldossari, academic and writer