14.3.9 Bell Hooks (1952–2021 )

Background

Hooks brought the cultural concerns of women of colour into the mainstream feminist movement.

• Hooks uses the term "imperialist white supremacist capitalist patriarchy" to represent the intersectionality of these systems.
• She perceived social construction as beginning in childhood within the family unit, meaning that gender roles are neither natural nor inevitable.
• Describes patriarchy as the 'single-most life-threatening social disease' that blights society.

"No other group in America has so had their identity socialised out of existence as have black women…when black people are talked about, the focus tends to be on black men; and when women are talked about, the focus tends to be on white women"

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Intersectionality

Core Principle

Critique of Mainstream Feminism

Hooks critiques mainstream (often white, middle-class) feminism for focusing primarily on gender while ignoring how race and class intersect with gender to shape women's experiences. She emphasises that true feminism must address the needs and voices of all women, particularly those who are marginalised by race and class.

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The Role of the State

State as Both a Tool and an Oppressor

Hooks recognises the state's potential to enact policies that promote gender equality, but she is also deeply critical of how the state has historically been complicit in upholding systems of oppression, particularly through racism and classism.

Advocacy for State Intervention

Hooks supports state interventions that address systemic inequalities, such as affirmative action, anti-discrimination laws, and social welfare programs. However, she remains cautious about the state's ability to fully dismantle the deeper structures of oppression without significant pressure from grassroots movements.

Skepticism of the State's Neutrality

She argues that the state is not a neutral entity and that its laws and policies often reflect and reinforce the interests of dominant groups. Therefore, she believes that relying solely on the state for feminist progress can be limiting.

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Views on Human Nature

Human Capacity for Change

Hooks believes in the potential for human transformation and the ability to unlearn oppressive behaviours and attitudes. She emphasises that socialisation, rather than inherent nature, plays a crucial role in shaping individuals' beliefs and actions regarding gender, race, and class.

Rejection of Biological Determinism

Like many feminists, hooks rejects the idea that gender roles are biologically determined. She argues that societal norms, not biology, dictate the behaviours and roles expected of men and women.

• Importance of Love and Community: Hooks often discusses love as a transformative force in human relationships. She believes that love, understood as a combination of care, commitment, and respect, is essential for creating equitable and just societies.

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Views on Society

Critique of Patriarchal Culture

Hooks critiques the pervasive influence of patriarchal culture in shaping societal norms and values. She argues that patriarchy not only oppresses women but also harms men by enforcing rigid gender roles and expectations.

Role of Education

Hooks places a strong emphasis on education as a means of challenging and changing oppressive social structures. She advocates for critical pedagogy, where education is used to raise awareness about social injustices and empower individuals to challenge them.

Cultural Critique

In her work, hooks frequently analyses how popular culture, media, and literature perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce systems of oppression. She advocates for the creation and promotion of alternative cultural narratives that reflect diverse experiences and challenge patriarchal norms.

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Views on the Economy

Critique of Capitalism

Hooks is critical of capitalism, particularly for how it intersects with patriarchy and racism to exploit and marginalise women, especially women of colour and working-class women. She argues that capitalism benefits from maintaining economic inequalities that disproportionately affect these groups.

Economic Justice

Hooks advocates for economic justice as a core component of feminist activism. She believes that addressing economic inequalities is essential for achieving true gender equality, as economic dependence is a significant barrier to women's empowerment.

Alternatives to Capitalist Structures

While not advocating for a specific economic system, hooks calls for alternatives to capitalist structures that prioritise human well-being over profit. She supports economic practices that are more communal and cooperative, which she believes would foster greater equality and social justice.