1. Overview Multicultural Feminist Theories Elsa Barkley Brown Norma Alarcon bell hooks Patricia Hill Collins

2. Norma Alarcon Reconfiguration of the subject of feminist theory (multi-voiced, multi-dimensional) –Argues that many 2 nd wavers constructed “woman” as the subject as oppositional to man –White, middle class, hetero subject- embedded and invisible –Subject needs to be created based on differences Anti-standpoint- no one common denominator of gender, must include race and class Can women of color be subjects as well as objects of feminist theorizing?

3. Bell hooks Critique of many 2 nd wave theorists –White, middle class, hetero bias –Focused on “common oppression” of gender Access to make vision public –Universities –Publishing –Media Co-opted- conservative, liberal Resisting one feminist theory –“theory in the making”

4. Patricia Hill Collins Defining black feminist thought and standpoint –Experiences gained as a black woman stimulate a black feminist sensibility –Extending feminist standpoint to include race and class Black women’s standpoint –Special angle of vision on the world –Can challenge the dominant view/knowledge

5. Patricia Hill Collins “the primary responsibility for defining one’s own reality lies with the people who live that reality” Do you have to be an insider to study and write about an issue? Other groups (white women, black men) –Can be allies, advocates, teachers, critics

6. Patricia Hill Collins Goal –Humanist visions of community –Multiple visions of difference, oppression, and change Self-definition + consciousness-raising= resistance Autonomy versus separation