Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center critiques feminist politics that treat white, middle-class women’s experiences as universal. bell hooks argues that movements become more transformative when they begin from the lives of people most affected by intersecting systems of domination.
This page describes the third-edition Routledge paperback identified by ISBN 9781138821668: 198 pages, published October 3, 2014.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through this link, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center asks feminism to evaluate itself from the position of people whom mainstream movements have marginalized. bell hooks critiques frameworks centered on white, economically privileged women and argues that feminism must address race, class, and imperial power alongside sexism.
The movement from margin to center is both analytical and political. Experiences excluded from dominant theory reveal weaknesses in that theory and make possible a broader account of liberation.
What the book argues
Equality with powerful men is too limited a goal when the underlying system depends on domination. hooks calls for a feminist politics capable of transforming institutions, relationships, labor, family life, and ideas about power.
She also challenges the assumption that men are feminism’s natural enemy. Men can participate in ending sexism, while women can reproduce sexist beliefs. Political commitment is measured through practice rather than identity alone.
Book details
| Full title | Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center |
|---|---|
| Author | bell hooks |
| Publisher | Routledge |
| Edition | Third edition |
| Publication date | October 3, 2014 |
| Format | Paperback |
| Length | 198 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1138821667 |
| ISBN-13 | 9781138821668 |
| Language | English |
Edition note
This page describes the 2014 third-edition Routledge paperback. Use ISBN 9781138821668 when comparing listings.
Related reading
Ain’t I a Woman supplies historical context, while Feminism Is for Everybody offers a shorter introduction to hooks’ feminist politics.
Who should read it?
The book is foundational for readers of feminist theory, intersectional analysis, movement strategy, and social justice. Its arguments reward close reading alongside the historical debates to which hooks responds.