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Title:	Mother of Invention
Authors:	Marcal, Katrine
Genre:	Non Fiction
Pages:	308
Year:	2021
Language:	English
Description:	Necessity might be considered the mother of invention, but Swedish journalist Katrine Marcal reveals that there is a lot more to the science of selecting what inventions are regarded as worthwhile, than simply science itself. Subtitled 'how good ideas get ignored in an economy built for men', this well-researched book considers, among many interesting scenarios, why it was that wheeled suitcases were late to the party, why electric cars were originally rejected in favour of petrol cars back in the early 1900s and how it is that people who work with machines or numbers earn more than those who work with people. Examining both the past and future impacts of sexism in the economy, this is a fascinating and thought-provoking read.
Categories:	Non-fiction, Feminism, Gender Issues, Science & Technology, Social commentary/perspectives, Translation, 2024 Titles

Reviews

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By: MILT 002		2026-04-20 14:20:19

Although not a particularly popular book, it did generate a lot of discussion. Some felt it was too one-sided a view, and rather wordy in places, but that could have been because of the translation. First couple of chapters enjoyed by all.

By: NGON 002		2026-03-27 11:48:06

Reasonable non-fiction, but would have benefited from a less turgid writing style - litanies of facts! Some were interesting - perhaps some visuals would have lightened the turgid prose.

By: TIMAR 013		2026-03-07 12:16:55

We were lukewarm about the book, it did provide good discussion though.

By: AUCK 055		2025-08-27 10:29:10

The book gave rise to wide-ranging discussion. Our group are seniors so we felt it may have a different impact on younger people. We used the terms eye-opening, surprising, revealing, interesting and fascinating.

By: TAUR 049		2025-04-10 10:04:31

The first few chapters were an interesting read with good writing and humour. Then it seemed to get bogged down in detail and ran the risk of losing readers.

By: TAUR 010		2024-11-25 14:51:37

Interesting discussion. Lots of reminiscing about our younger days. Some of the group found it hard to stick with. A bit like a text book.

By: CHCH 532		2024-08-01 15:02:08

Generated very good and interesting discussion on gender roles and contemporary society. Thought provoking.

By: CHCH 553		2023-11-07 10:16:23

Generated some interesting conversation amongst our group, however most of us did not finish reading the book. An interesting topic, but not a gripping read. Perhaps this is due to the translation.