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clayby's review
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.75
The leaders of the women’s rights movement did not suspect that the enslavement of Black people in the South, the economic exploitation of Northern workers and the social oppression of women might be systematically related.
I've considered myself a feminist for years, yet just this year (2021) Women, Race & Class by Angela Y. Davis was my first foray into feminist theory, and I think I've done myself and the women in my life a great disservice by having not read it sooner. Angela is such a brilliant writer; several times I had to force myself to stop reading so that my partner could catch up to me.
Women, Race & Class begins with slavery in the United States and, with a Marxist lens, takes a look at the abolitionist movements, early feminist groups, the working class movements of the early 20th century, the women's liberation movement in the 1960's, up to the time of the book's writing in the 1970's.
While doing this, Ms. Davis doesn't hold back in her analyses of important figures belonging to the aforementioned movements, something I really appreciated. (I personally feel that people are too eager in their uncritical support of "safe" historical figures.)
I only have one tiny gripe with the book, and it's that I felt it ended somewhat abruptly. Regardless, I really, really recommend you read Women, Race & Class, especially if you're looking to begin your journey into feminist theory.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Slavery
Minor: Rape, Self harm, and Child death
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