¶ … Bell Hooks Argues Feminist Theory is a Social Practice
Bell Hooks argues that feminist theory is a social practice for a number of reasons, including the pain of her childhood, which she believes led her to look toward theories as answers for her problems. She believes that much of the accepted and legitimized feminist theory has developed from white men and women, and much of the theory thus developed by others has been rejected by academia. She notes, "Work by women of color and marginalized groups of white women (for example, lesbians, sex radicals), especially if written in a manner that renders it accessible to a broad reading public, is often de-legitimized in academic settings, even if that work enables and promotes feminist practice" (Hooks 38). In addition, she cites other authors who show that there are different levels of theory in different locations; this indicating theory can deviate depending on the situation.
Hooks' arguments are compelling, especially when she relates them to her own painful childhood experiences. Her ideas that the theories of feminism are only accepted when they are created in vague and lofty terms are quite compelling. She writes, "[ ... ] Mary Childers declares that it is highly ironic that 'a certain kind of theoretical performance which only a small cadre of people can possibly understand' has come to be seen as representative of any product of critical thought that will be given recognition within many academic circles as 'theory'" (Hooks 38). She questions the very purpose of much of this feminist theory, and thinks it is confusing and even devaluing, and backs her beliefs up with solid arguments. Hooks also notes that often, even in settings that might be fairly comfortable, people are afraid to speak out and be heard, especially if their ideas oppose those being expressed. Reading this piece makes the reader really think about what is accepted academically, and what is really true socially and personally. If all those who have an opinion or a theory are not accepted, then there is editing and moralizing going on, even if it is not acknowledged. This piece really makes the reader stop and think.
References
.Hooks, Bell. "Theory as Liberatory Practice."
Sociology and Feminist Theories on Gender Studies Postmodern Feminism in "Cherrie Moraga and Chicana Lesbianism" In the article entitled, "Cherrie Moraga and Chicana Lesbianism," author Tomas Almaguer analyzes and studies the dynamics behind Moraga's feminist reading of the Chicano culture and society that she originated from. In the article, Almaguer focuses on three elements that influenced Moraga's social reality as she was growing up: the powerful effect of the Chicano culture, patriarchal
Feminism Is for Everybody Describe each of the following theoretical perspectives of women's subordination in society. Discuss which aspect of woman's subordination each focuses on. Biological determinism or essentialism holds that there is a natural and genetic difference between men and women and from a patriarchal viewpoint finds that women are intellectually and physically inferior and should be relegated to child rearing and domestic duties. Liberal feminism, often called middle class feminism
Women's Oppression, Racism, Colonialism And Feminism "The Committee is concerned that women's access to justice is limited, in particular because of women's lack of information on their rights, lack of legal aid, the insufficient understanding of the convention by the judiciary and the lengthy legal processes which are not understood by women. The Committee is concerned that physical and psychological violence cases are particularly difficult to be prosecuted in the legal
Censorship in Music Censorship Under the Guise of Protecting the Children Rock and Roll Culture Hip Hop Culture Is Censorship in Music Viable and Does it Make a Difference? There have been many attempts by society control music. Governmental statutes, agency regulations, business controls and parents have all tried to censor the music. Sometimes they have succeeded and sometimes they have not. The examination of various aspects of rock and rap music censorship involves general
" Following on the heels of Michel Foucault, Butler situates the dichotomous conceptualization of gender as a product of discourse, just as Foucault (1990) realized that homo- and heterosexuality were both discursive products. The maintenance of coherent norms in the realm of gender through cultural discourse is intertwined with the positing of heterosexuality as the norm. This is why, for example, when a young boy "dresses up" as a girl and/or
Introduction By being born a man or a woman signals to bearing certain clear sexual characteristics. Socialization takes individuals through a path that inculcates certain norms and codes of conduct depending on whether one is born a male or a female. In other words, the rules that one adopts and follows are guided by whether they are biologically male or female. Therefore, one’s communication, expression and behavior is shaped by the
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now