Feminism and Sex-Extinction

Feminism and Sex-Extinction is a book by Arabella Kenealy, first published in 1920. Writing in the immediate aftermath of the First World War, Kenealy—a qualified physician and daughter of a prominent pro-feminist writer—presents a provocative and controversial critique of the early feminist movement. The book explores the biological and sociological consequences of women entering traditionally male spheres of labor and influence, arguing that the blurring of gender roles could lead to a decline in human vitality and social stability. This work serves as a fascinating primary source for those interested in the historical debate over gender essentialism and the evolution of social roles in the early twentieth century.

Kenealy uses her medical background to weave together Victorian scientific theories and Edwardian social anxieties. She posits that the preservation of distinct masculine and feminine traits is essential for the continued progress of the species. Feminism and Sex-Extinction suggests that "un-sexing" society through the equalization of the sexes risks a form of biological exhaustion, a theme that resonated deeply with the eugenics-influenced discourse of the era. For readers of classic sociology and historical gender studies, this text provides a rare window into the anti-suffragist and biological-determinist perspectives that countered the rising tide of women's rights.

Today, the book is an invaluable resource for researchers studying the history of feminism and its early opposition. It offers deep insights into how medical science and social philosophy were used to argue for the maintenance of traditional domesticity. Whether you are a student of political history or a collector of vintage social commentary, this edition of Feminism and Sex-Extinction captures a pivotal moment in the cultural struggle to define the roles of men and women in the modern world. It remains a stark reminder of the intellectual tensions that shaped the gender politics of the 1920s.