Ever wondered what life would be like if the world were ruled by women? I have. I've imagined less sexual violence, more peace among nations, less income inequality, less gender superiority and the unquestioned right of a woman to choose.
Although some aspects of society are not the best, they are certainly not progressing toward the totalitarian society imagined in the fictionalized Republic of Gilead of Margaret Atwood's classic dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale.
Dystopian novels are interesting, however. Especially since they turn out to be an idealized utopian society that's openly portrayed as perfect, but is actually oppressed. Novels featuring utopian societies run by women make this more interesting because we get to see women both embrace and reject stereotyped gender roles.
Here are 5 novels that challenge cultural norms, the patriarchy, and shake up what's considered the ideal version of society. These novels explore radical concepts, female dominance, and gender inequality in distinctly feminist imagined futures of humanity.
This sci-fi fantasy follows Zan, an amnesiac who wakes up in a world entirely run by women in the midst of war. To survive, Zan must reclaim her memories on her journey to save the future of her world.
In this matriarchal society, women are world leaders and men have no legal rights. This novel explores feminism, gender roles, and cultural norms.
In this novel, set in the not so distant future, a devastating apocalypse creates two separate classes. Men are barbaric warriors and women are the ruling class of society. In it, Stavia, a woman and member of the ruling class, learns that women hold knowledge so secret that it must be kept from men for the survival of humanity.
Women have taken over the world and are making changes to everything including sexual fantasies. In this comedic satire, Lisa is tasked with re-educating women on what they should be fantasizing about.
In this novel, men are primitive and worship women as divine beings. Birana, a young woman, is banished from the world of women and, as a result, discovers the truth about her society.
What is your favorite feminist dystopian novel?
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