A lot of 1970s and 1980s feminism saw the relationship between men and women as something akin to Spartans and Helots. Susan Brownmiller, for example in her book about rape argued that rape was not an individual crime but part of an overall subjugation strategy aimed at women. Not all men were rapists but all benefited from the threat that kept women in their places.
Suppose for a moment that that is true. What could women possibly do about it? Brownmiller argues that this subjugation has been going on since the ancient world. So, if it has been happening, it has been working. If men are so evil and effective, why would they stop? And what could women do about it other than appeal to men's goodwill?
Brownmiller's argument is based on an unspoken assumption that once this horrible injustice is brought to light, something will happen. But why would it? Would exposing the Spartan's brutality allow the Helots to over throw their oppressors. Would the Spartans themselves suddenly collapse in shame.
Okay, here is the paradox: if there is to be any hope for women, Brownmiller has to be wrong. Any feminism that is actually going to bring about change has to be far more charitable towards men and far less charitable towards women than was typical in the 1970s and 1980s feminism.
And Austen can show us the way.
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