What strand of feminism does bell hooks belong to?
Postmodern feminism
What concept did bell hooks advance?
Intersectional feminism, recognising the overlapping oppressions of race, gender and class
Why did bell hooks criticise mainstream feminism?
Saw it as only focusing in white, middle-class women
She argued for inclusive feminism that united all women and engages men
How did bell hooks describe society?
As an ‘imperialist-white-supremacist-capitalist-patriarchy’
What did bell hooks believe about human nature?
All people are capable of self-reflection and transformation, including men
Saw humans as complex and with multiple, intersecting identities
Rejected essentialism (inherent properties) as womanhood is shaped by race, class and social context
What did bell hooks believe about society?
Society is structured by interlocking systems of oppression (racism, capitalism and the patriarchy)
Feminism must challenge all forms of domination, not just gender inequality
Middle-class women’s liberation should not depend on the exploitation of poorer women (e.g. hiring women as cleaners)
What did bell hooks believe about the state?
The state reflects and sustains racial and patriarchal power
What did bell hooks believe about the economy?
Highlighted economic exploitation of black and working-class women
Found that black women earned less than both white women and black men
Advocated for systemic economic reform and solidarity between all oppressed groups
