Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center

hooks reiterates that the feminist movement often focuses exclusively on male domination of women instead of enacting political change on behalf of both men and women. In doing so, such feminists inadvertently market their cause as having no real benefit for men instead of highlighting the ways feminism can create more fulfilling lives for men as well as women. hooks argues that by focusing on ending sexist oppression, feminism can “transform relationships so that the alienation, competition, and dehumanization that characterize human interaction can be replaced with feelings of intimacy, mutuality, and camaraderie” (34). should instead focus on creating new forms of discourse, community, and support between the sexes. hooks criticizes feminist organizers who emphasize the gender divide rather than these new, possible futures.

hooks refutes the theory that sexist oppression is the “original oppression” and the foundation of all social injustices. She instead points to the ways systems of domination are inherent in Western philosophies because of a cultural emphasis on superiority versus inferiority. This root idea gives birth to all forms of oppression, including sexism, racism, and classism. With this, she says that sexual oppression is not the basis of all other forms of oppression, but it is the form that the highest number of people experience in their daily lives.