bell hooks Flashcards
What was bell hooks’ criticism of mainstream feminism?
bell hooks criticised mainstream feminism for focusing mainly on the issues of white, middle- and upper-class women, often sidelining the concerns of women of colour. She argued that mainstream feminism ignored the intersectional experiences of women of colour, particularly concerning race, class, and culture
What is the concept of “double bind” according to bell hooks?
The “double bind” refers to the dilemma faced by women of colour, who were expected to support feminist causes while suppressing their racial identity, or to support civil rights causes, which still left them subject to patriarchy, making their gender oppression invisible in the broader civil rights discourse.
How does bell hooks define intersectionality in her feminist theory?
Intersectionality is a key part of hooks’ theory, highlighting how race, gender, and class intersect in shaping the experiences of marginalised groups. This perspective emphasises that oppression cannot be understood in isolation, as various forms of oppression overlap.
What is the concept of solidarity in bell hooks’ feminism?
Solidarity in hooks’ feminist thought refers to the importance of unity between women of all races, classes, and sexualities, as well as between genders, to build an inclusive, collective feminist movement. She stressed cross-racial, cross-class, and intercultural alliances to promote collective liberation.
How did bell hooks view the empowerment of women of colour?
hooks argued for the creation of a feminist theory that empowers women of colour, acknowledging their unique struggles in both a racist and patriarchal society. Empowerment, for hooks, should be a collective pursuit aimed at dismantling societal structures of oppression.
Why did bell hooks adopt the pseudonym “bell hooks”?
bell hooks adopted the pseudonym to honor her great-grandmother and as a political statement. By using lowercase letters, she distanced herself from individual ego and focused on collective struggle for justice and equality.
What did bell hooks observe about gender socialisation?
hooks observed that boys and girls are socialized into restrictive gender roles from a young age. Boys are taught to suppress emotions other than anger, diminishing their emotional intelligence, while girls are conditioned to focus on their appearance and adjust behaviors to please others, which harms emotional and psychological development.
What does bell hooks’ feminist theory of empowerment focus on?
hooks’ feminist theory of empowerment emphasizes dismantling systems of domination (such as patriarchy, white supremacy, and capitalism) to allow for more radical forms of equality and social justice, especially for marginalized women.
How does bell hooks define intersectionality in relation to women of colour?
Intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw but central to hooks’ work, highlights how different forms of oppression—such as racism, sexism, and classism—intersect and cannot be understood separately. hooks used this concept to explain how race, class, and gender cannot be separated when discussing the experiences of women of colour.
What is feminist praxis, according to bell hooks?
Feminist praxis for bell hooks means that feminist theory should lead to practical social change. It involves engaging in everyday acts of resistance and working to dismantle systemic oppression through action.
How did bell hooks critique mainstream culture?
bell hooks critiqued mainstream media and culture for reinforcing sexist, racist, and capitalist ideals. She argued that empowerment includes shifting culture so women, particularly women of colour, can reclaim their voices, challenge stereotypes, and create their own narratives outside dominant cultural narratives.
What is patriarchy, according to bell hooks?
Patriarchy refers to the societal structure that privileges men over women, creating systemic inequality. hooks saw patriarchy as intertwined with other forms of oppression, such as racism and classism, and aimed to challenge it on multiple fronts.
What is white feminism, according to bell hooks?
White feminism refers to a form of feminism that centers the concerns of white, middle-class women while neglecting or ignoring the issues faced by women of colour, working-class women, and others at the margins of society. hooks criticized white feminism for its lack of inclusivity and solidarity with marginalized groups.
What is revolutionary feminism, according to bell hooks?
Revolutionary feminism, as advocated by hooks, seeks to transform society at its core rather than reforming existing structures. This form of feminism calls for a complete rethinking and restructuring of social, political, and economic systems to achieve genuine liberation.
How does bell hooks distinguish liberal feminism from radical feminism?
Liberal feminism seeks reform within existing social and political structures, while radical feminism, as argued by hooks, calls for a complete transformation of society, challenging foundational ideas such as capitalism, patriarchy, and colonialism. hooks aligns more with radical feminism due to her focus on systemic change.
