Susan Brownmiller, a prominent feminist author and activist, has died at the age of 90. Her influential work significantly shaped societal understanding of rape.
Brownmiller is best known for her 1975 book, *Against Our Will: Men, Women and Rape*. The book became a seminal text in feminist literature.
In *Against Our Will*, Brownmiller argued that rape is not primarily a sexual act, but a political one, a means by which men control and dominate women.
The book meticulously examined rape throughout history, analyzing its role in war, politics, and the patriarchal structures of society.
Brownmiller’s arguments challenged the traditional legal and social frameworks surrounding rape, advocating for a broader understanding of sexual assault.
Her work influenced legal reforms, including the redefinition of rape laws and the establishment of rape crisis centers.
Before writing *Against Our Will*, Brownmiller worked as a journalist and civil rights activist, experiences that informed her feminist perspective.
She was involved in the early feminist movement, participating in protests and advocating for women’s rights.
Brownmiller’s impact extended beyond legal reform. Her writing sparked widespread conversations about consent, victim blaming, and the role of gender in society.
Though her views were sometimes controversial, Brownmiller’s work remains a significant contribution to feminist thought and continues to be studied and debated.