Kirkus Reviews QR Code
UNDERSTANDING CONSENT AND BOUNDARIES by Naomi Rockler

UNDERSTANDING CONSENT AND BOUNDARIES

Dating and Relationships in the #MeToo Era

by Naomi Rockler

Pub Date: Aug. 1st, 2023
ISBN: 9781678205966
Publisher: ReferencePoint Press

The hot-button topic of consent is explored in this concise overview.

Since a study cited in the work indicates that over half of the adolescent girl participants reported being sexually harassed, the subjects of boundaries and consent are critical ones. This guide featuring full-color photos is short yet informative. It begins by exploring traditional societal messages telling girls and women “that being polite was more important than standing up for what they wanted” and discussing how these beliefs, while increasingly being challenged, still impact society. An introduction and four brief chapters cover the history and worldwide influence of the #MeToo movement founded by Tarana Burke, well-known cases like those of Donald Trump and Harvey Weinstein, advocacy and awareness campaigns in educational institutions, setting and communicating boundaries, what informed consent is, and other important topics. Text boxes and sidebars call attention to subjects in the main text, such as sharing and communicating boundaries, determining your values, dealing with push back, helping someone after an assault, and being an active bystander, all of which will be useful in real-life situations. Quotes from high school and college students are included throughout, adding to the relatability. This accessible volume is a data-packed guide useful for school reports as well as individual growth and education.

Helpfully addresses a topic that is both newsworthy and personally relevant.

(source notes, ways to take action, organizations and websites, further research, index, picture credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)