The Female Man, penned by Joanna Russ and set in 1969, emerges as a definitive feminist novel representative of its era. This decade, characterized by its symbolic employment of objects as markers of social commentary, renders the novel a vivid snapshot of its time. For instance, brassieres are depicted as emblems of male dominance, a notion that instantly evokes the feminist struggles of the 1960s. Similarly, the discussion of legalized abortions in New York State feels like an echo from a distant past, especially in contrast to the ongoing national debates surrounding reproductive rights today.

The novel orchestrates a singular, compelling theme, resonating powerfully with readers invested in feminist discourse. Its favorable reception can be gauged through various indicators. Notably, an authoritative guide to modern American fiction acknowledges only a handful of science fiction writers, including Robert A. Heinlein, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Joanna Russ—highlighting her prominence. Between 1978 and 1985, almost a dozen scholarly articles explored Russ's fiction, and no comprehensive discussion on feminism in science fiction omits mention of The Female Man.

However, critical success often carries a hint of irony. Russ's oeuvre includes other works such as Picnic on Paradise (1968), And Chaos Died (1970), Alyx (1976), We Who Are About To . . . (1977), and The Two of Them (1978), along with numerous short stories. And Chaos Died, in particular, stands out for its innovative use of telepathy, set against the backdrop of a repressive Earth society transformed by contact with a harmonious alien world. Yet, it remains overshadowed, likely because it doesn’t overtly engage with feminist themes, unlike The Female Man and to some extent We Who Are About To . . ., which have garnered more critical attention.

Russ's own critical writings have shaped perceptions of her work, often framing it within an exclusively feminist context. Her critical essays predominantly focus on the depiction and roles of women within science fiction, further reinforcing this lens. A thorough appreciation of Russ's literary contributions necessitates an examination of her broader thematic concerns beyond the feminist scope, recognizing her innovative narrative techniques and her engagement with diverse speculative worlds.