Ethical Matters:
(Un)Kind: How ‘Be Kind’ Entrenches Sexism

Using the #JustBeKind trend of the 2020s as a starting point, Victoria Smith, author of the bestseller Hags, explores how traditional beliefs about women’s ‘kind’ nature have been repackaged for an age that remains dependent – socially, politically, economically – on female self-sacrifice while finding the concept outdated and essentialist.

Looking at the various guises under which kindness culture is sold to women and girls – from play to self-help, social justice activism to empowerment – Victoria argues that the pressure on women and girls has not decreased, but instead been incorporated into the ‘work’ of feminism. In this talk, Victoria analyses the way in which this phenomenon ultimately distorts relationships, harming not just those coerced into performing ‘kindness work’ but the supposed recipients of their services. She will explore how kindness culture supports the backlash against feminism while claiming to represent feminism’s – and women’s – true nature. It is, at heart, unkind.

Victoria’s book will be available to buy on the night.

Age Recommendation:

16+

Price: *All ticket prices below include a £1 booking fee*

In advance: • Standard £13 • Living Support £9 • Students £9
On the door: • Standard £14 • Living Support £10 • Students £10

Access Information

Due to the age and Grade II listing of the building, there is no lift access to rooms above the ground floor.

All the ground-floor rooms are fully accessible by wheelchair. Main Hall (street access, step-free), Brockway Room (street access, step-free), Bertrand Russell Room (street access, shallow ramp), Hive Cafe (street access, step-free). There is also an accessible toilet on the ground floor opposite the Brockway Room.