The Sex-Change Society: Feminised Britain and the Neutered Male by Melanie Phillips was published in 1999 but I've only just come across it. I started reading it last night and even though I've only read the introduction she has already annoyed me. The whole of her argument seems to be that men have been marginalised and that easy divorce has encouraged women to dispense with men completely. She seems to forget divorce can be initiated by either sex. Even though she talks about no fault divorce it is still not possible to obtain a divorce without attributing blame unless you wait for 2 years' separation - which most people don't do because they want it all sorted out quicker than that. So you still have to allege adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion.
I fail to see how this can benefit only women. She also says the benefits system encourages women to do without men. Even though she gives examples of irresponsible men she doesn't seem to draw the conclusion that men benefit from the welfare state which will pay to bring up their children if they don't choose to stay around. She seems to be saying the current legal system forces human beings to make these choices.
Why doesn't she attribute blame to the individuals rather than the system? Just because the opportunity is there doesn't mean people have to take it. People could work at their marriages instead of bailing out at the first hint of trouble. Contraception is free and could be used by either party. You cannot blame the system for individual's bad choices.
No comments:
Post a Comment