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Brotopia book club questions
Here are 12 book club questions for Brotopia by Emily Chang, ordered to open easily and end somewhere worth arguing about. Copy them, print them, or bring them up one at a time.
Brotopia is Emily Chang's investigation into how Silicon Valley became dominated by men and why it has stayed that way despite decades of stated commitment to diversity.
Emily Chang · 2018 · 5h 0m
Full summary and key takeaways →The 12 questions
- 1.
Chang argues that the 'pipeline problem' is partly a myth used to deflect responsibility. Based on what you've observed, which is more acute: the shortage of women entering tech or the failure to retain them?
- 2.
The personality tests of the 1960s shaped the field for generations. What present-day screening or culture practices might be doing something similar without anyone noticing?
- 3.
How much of what Chang describes as 'bro culture' have you witnessed or experienced in your own industry or workplace?
- 4.
Chang names specific individuals and companies. What responsibilities do journalists have when reporting on behavior protected by NDA or without on-the-record confirmation?
- 5.
The book argues that informal social networks — parties, golf, after-work events — are mechanisms for allocating professional opportunity. Do you think that's specific to Silicon Valley, or is it universal?
- 6.
How does the 'meritocracy' belief function in your own field or organization? Does it help or hinder honest conversations about structural advantages?
- 7.
Chang profiles several women who stayed silent about harassment because they feared retaliation more than the cost of silence. What would need to change for that calculation to shift?
- 8.
VCs are a small group with disproportionate power to shape which companies get built. What structural changes to venture capital would actually move the needle?
- 9.
The book argues diversity at the top (investor and board level) matters more than diversity in the workforce. Do you agree?
- 10.
Chang is a journalist, not an academic. How does that shape the argument — what does it gain, and what does it miss?
- 11.
Since Brotopia was published in 2018, how much do you think has changed? What's better and what has stayed the same?
- 12.
If you were designing an entry-level screening process for a technical role from scratch, what would you specifically avoid doing, based on the book's historical account?
How to run the discussion
- Pick six to eight, not all of them. An hour of real discussion covers fewer questions than anyone expects, and racing the list is what makes a book club feel like homework.
- Open with what people noticed, not what they concluded. Asking for a verdict first hardens opinions before anyone has heard each other.
- Let the disagreement run. The questions below that split a room are the ones worth the time; the ones everyone answers the same way can be skipped.
- Ask the quiet person a specific question. A direct, narrow question is far easier to answer than an open invitation to contribute.
Themes worth steering toward
If the conversation stalls, these are the threads that usually restart it.
Common questions
What are good book club questions for Brotopia?
Here are 12 book club questions for Brotopia by Emily Chang, ordered to open easily and end somewhere worth arguing about. The strongest openers ask what each reader noticed rather than what they concluded, and the discussion usually turns on gender inequality, silicon valley culture, tech industry.
How long should a book club discussion of Brotopia last?
Most groups run 60 to 90 minutes of actual discussion. That is roughly six to eight questions, not all of them, so pick the ones that suit your group rather than working down the list in order.
What are the main themes in Brotopia?
Gender inequality, Silicon Valley culture, Tech industry, Power dynamics, Diversity. Those are the threads most likely to divide a room, which makes them the useful places to steer a discussion that has gone quiet.
Picking the next one? See books like Brotopia or questions for other book club picks.
