Kat Banyard Knihy

Today, many believe feminism has achieved its goals and that equality between women and men exists. This perception is misleading. In the UK, full-time working women earn, on average, seventeen percent less than men. Domestic violence results in more deaths and disabilities among women aged sixteen to forty-four than cancer or traffic accidents. Globally, only fifteen percent of parliamentary seats are occupied by women, and fewer than twenty percent of UK MPs are women. Additionally, the number of men purchasing sex acts doubled in the 1990s in the UK. From body image to education, women in the twenty-first century still face significant inequalities. The author presents a compelling argument that feminism remains one of the most pressing social justice movements today. By structuring the narrative around a typical day, she highlights key issues for contemporary feminism and their impact on daily life. She challenges conventional views on choice and empowerment, which have been appropriated by the beauty and sex industries, and disputes the idea that biology is the main cause of gender inequality. Drawing from her campaigning experience, academic research, and numerous interviews, the author provides insights into grassroots activism and resources for involvement.

In a passionate and provocative expose, the author challenges the pervasive myths surrounding the global sex industry, taking on pimps, pornographers, and politicians. As a leading feminist, she delves into the complexities of the industry, revealing the often-hidden truths and advocating for a deeper understanding of its impact on society. The book aims to reshape perceptions and ignite discussions about exploitation and empowerment within the context of sexual politics.

Never before have prostitution, strip clubs and pornography been as profitable, widely used or embedded in mainstream culture as they are today. How society should respond to the rise of the sex trade is shaping up to be one of the Twenty-First Century's big questions. Should it be legal to pay for sex? Isn't it a woman's choice whether she strips for money? Could online porn warping the attitudes of a generation of boys? An increasingly popular set of answers maintains that prostitution is just work, porn is fantasy, demand is inevitable; so fully legalise the sex trade and it can be made safe. Kat Banyard contends that these are profoundly dangerous myths. Sexual consent is not a commodity, objectification and abuse are inherent to prostitution, and the sex trade poses a grave threat to the struggle for women's equality. Skilfully weaving together first-hand investigation, interviews and the latest research, Pimp State powerfully argues that sex trade myth-makers will find themselves on the wrong side of history.