Feminist Theory
From Margin to Center
Feminist Theory established bell hooks as one of international feminism’s most challenging and influential voices. This edition includes a preface by the author, reflecting on the book’s impact and the development of her ideas since it was first published.
In this beautifully written and carefully argued work, hooks maintains that mainstream feminism’s reliance on white, middle-class, and professional spokeswomen obscures the involvement, leadership, and centrality of women of colour and poor women in the movement for women’s liberation. Hooks argues that feminism’s goal of seeking credibility and acceptance on already existing ground – rather than demanding the lasting and more fundamental transformation of society – has short-changed the movement.
A sweeping examination of the core issues of sexual politics, Feminist Theory argues that contemporary feminists must acknowledge the full complexity and diversity of women’s experience to create a mass movement to end women’s oppression.
In this beautifully written and carefully argued work, hooks maintains that mainstream feminism’s reliance on white, middle-class, and professional spokeswomen obscures the involvement, leadership, and centrality of women of colour and poor women in the movement for women’s liberation. Hooks argues that feminism’s goal of seeking credibility and acceptance on already existing ground – rather than demanding the lasting and more fundamental transformation of society – has short-changed the movement.
A sweeping examination of the core issues of sexual politics, Feminist Theory argues that contemporary feminists must acknowledge the full complexity and diversity of women’s experience to create a mass movement to end women’s oppression.
bell hooks is an author, feminist and activist, whose writing is at the juncture of race, class, and gender. A figurehead of intersectionality, she has authored numerous feminist classics and in 2014 the bell hooks institute was founded in her name. Her books include Ain't I a Woman (Pluto, 1987), Feminist Theory (Pluto, 2000), Feminism is for Everybody (Pluto, 2000), Talking Back (Routledge, 2014) and Breaking Bread (Routledge, 2016). She is currently Professor of English at City College, City University of New York.
'An intelligently critical, inclusive, personal and very accessible feminist polemic' - Theory.org
Abbreviations
Introduction
1. The Subversive Image
2. Inner Experience
3. Sovereignty
4. The Tears of Eros
5. The Accursed Share
Conclusion
Notes and References
Bibliography
Index
Introduction
1. The Subversive Image
2. Inner Experience
3. Sovereignty
4. The Tears of Eros
5. The Accursed Share
Conclusion
Notes and References
Bibliography
Index
Published by Pluto Press in May 2000
Paperback ISBN: 9780745316635
Hardcover ISBN: 9780745316642
Hardcover ISBN: 9780745316642
208 pages
135mm x 215mm