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Fix the System, Not the Women

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Fix the System, Not the Women
AuthorLaura Bates
LanguageEnglish
SubjectFeminism, gender inequality, systemic bias
GenreNonfiction
PublisherSimon & Schuster
Publication date
2022
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Media typePrint, eBook
Pages224
ISBN9781398523401
Preceded byMen Who Hate Women 

Fix the System, Not the Women is a 2022 book by British feminist writer and activist Laura Bates. It critically examines systemic gender inequality across five key societal institutions—education, politics, media, policing, and criminal justice—and calls for structural reforms to address these issues rather than placing the burden on women to adapt.[1][2][3]

Overview

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Laura Bates argues that societal structures perpetuate gender-based injustices by failing to accommodate women equitably.[4] The book explores how entrenched biases in institutions contribute to discrimination and violence against women.[1] Bates combines personal anecdotes, real-life stories from contributors to her Everyday Sexism Project, and statistical evidence to highlight these systemic failures.[2]

Bates critiques systemic sexism in education, politics, media, policing, and criminal justice. She illustrates how these institutions fail to protect or empower women, often exacerbating inequality.[2] The book challenges societal tendencies to blame women for their own victimization—whether for walking home alone or not demanding equal opportunities—and emphasizes the need for systemic accountability.[3] Bates also addresses how gender inequality intersects with other forms of discrimination, such as race and class.[1]

Critical reception

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The Observer described it as "an astute and persuasive page-turner", while the Sunday Times called it "powerful" in summarizing the injustices women face.[3] Dr. Pragya Agarwal highlighted its optimism and urgency, describing it as "a blistering manifesto for change".[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Bates, Laura (2023). Fix the system, not the women. London: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-1-3985-2340-1.
  2. ^ a b c d Fix the System, Not the Women. 2023-04-13. ISBN 978-1-3985-2340-1.
  3. ^ a b c "Fix the System, Not the Women by Laura Bates | Waterstones". www.waterstones.com. Retrieved 2025-04-11.
  4. ^ "Fixing The System, Not the Women with Laura Bates". Earwolf. Retrieved 2025-04-11.
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