Taking On the Big Boys: Or Why Feminism Is Good for Families, Business, and the Nation (Mariam K. Chamberlain Series on Social and Economic Justice) - Softcover

Ellen Bravo is a long-time activist, author, former director of 9 to 5, the National Association of Working Women, and current head of Family Values @ Work, a network of state coalitions working for family-friendly policies. A well-known speaker, she has been described as "moving, witty, and sometimes bawdy."

"Taking on the Big Boys is not only an enormously valuable resource for anyone wanting to contribute to a better world, but a powerful and much-needed shot at combating the demonization of the F-word. This is a book to take into battle." ―Bitch Magazine

"Bravo (Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) tackles issues and myths surrounding pay equity, the balance of work and home life, discrimination, and welfare. Even more useful are her realistic, attainable suggestions for change. A witty, statistically supported, and readable book that provides a strong message sure to foster ideas and generate debate. Summing Up: Highly recommended." ―Choice

“Taking on the Big Boys is feminism at its butt-kicking best―an exposé, a manifesto, and a spirited, delightful read. I thought I knew a lot about women’s economic status before I read this book, but I had barely scratched the surface. Bravo for Bravo!” ―Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Nickel and Dimed

"Smart, kind, funny, and very effective, [Bravo] has put her lifetime of organizing skills into Taking on the Big Boys." ―Gloria Steinem, author of My Life on the Road

"[Bravo] takes attacks on the pay equity issue head on. Bravo enlightens the reader in a no-nonsense way on deep-seated workplace attitudes and practices that hinder women's progress on the pay front. More importantly she shows us how public policy is influenced through a variety of tactics used by opponents." ―Martha Burk, cofounder of the Center for Advancement of Public Policy

“Finally, an answer to the Mommy Wars and opting-out myth . . . Taking on the Big Boys shines a bright light on the pervasive bias against mothers who work along with the high price we all have to pay for failing to support parent's dual responsibilities. Happily fixing the problem is not only the right thing to do but good for everyone. Time to Take on the Big Boys! ” ―Joan Blades, cofounder of MoveOn.org

"Despite impressive progress, women in our society still face many challenges; they're fortunate to have champions like Ellen Bravo. She's a powerful advocate, and she makes clear in this excellent book that more needs to be done to achieve real equality, eliminate glass ceilings, reward work fairly, and strengthen families. Her proposals for reform will be of value to policy-makers, activists, and caring citizens alike." ―Edward M. Kennedy, former senator of Massachusetts

"Stop whatever you are doing and read this book! This is a call to arms no thinking person can refuse." ―Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Wisconsin

"Ellen Bravo's book. . . is a fresh look at the classic women's issues that arise in the workplace. . . the information is accessible, presented with humor, solidly analytical, and yet easy to digest. . .in a way that will get people to listen." ―Labor Studies Journal

"It's a myth-buster and an eye-opener . . . building the world we all need and deserve." ―Linda Chavez-Thompson, executive vice president, AFL-CIO

"Taking on the Big Boys is not only an enormously valuable resource for anyone wanting to contribute to a better world, but a powerful and much-needed shot at combating the demonization of the F-word. This is a book to take into battle." Bitch Magazine

"Bravo (Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) tackles issues and myths surrounding pay equity, the balance of work and home life, discrimination, and welfare. Even more useful are her realistic, attainable suggestions for change. A witty, statistically supported, and readable book that provides a strong message sure to foster ideas and generate debate. Summing Up: Highly recommended." Choice

Taking on the Big Boys is feminism at its butt-kicking best an exposé, a manifesto, and a spirited, delightful read. I thought I knew a lot about women’s economic status before I read this book, but I had barely scratched the surface. Bravo for Bravo!” Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Nickel and Dimed

"Smart, kind, funny, and very effective, [Bravo] has put her lifetime of organizing skills into Taking on the Big Boys." Gloria Steinem, author of My Life on the Road

"[Bravo] takes attacks on the pay equity issue head on. Bravo enlightens the reader in a no-nonsense way on deep-seated workplace attitudes and practices that hinder women's progress on the pay front. More importantly she shows us how public policy is influenced through a variety of tactics used by opponents." Martha Burk, cofounder of the Center for Advancement of Public Policy

Finally, an answer to the Mommy Wars and opting-out myth . . . Taking on the Big Boys shines a bright light on the pervasive bias against mothers who work along with the high price we all have to pay for failing to support parent's dual responsibilities. Happily fixing the problem is not only the right thing to do but good for everyone. Time to Take on the Big Boys! ” Joan Blades, cofounder of MoveOn.org

"Despite impressive progress, women in our society still face many challenges; they're fortunate to have champions like Ellen Bravo. She's a powerful advocate, and she makes clear in this excellent book that more needs to be done to achieve real equality, eliminate glass ceilings, reward work fairly, and strengthen families. Her proposals for reform will be of value to policy-makers, activists, and caring citizens alike." Edward M. Kennedy, former senator of Massachusetts

"Stop whatever you are doing and read this book! This is a call to arms no thinking person can refuse." Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Wisconsin

"Ellen Bravo's book. . . is a fresh look at the classic women's issues that arise in the workplace. . . the information is accessible, presented with humor, solidly analytical, and yet easy to digest. . .in a way that will get people to listen." Labor Studies Journal

"It's a myth-buster and an eye-opener . . . building the world we all need and deserve." Linda Chavez-Thompson, executive vice president, AFL-CIO