Race, Class, Gender
Bonds and Barriers

Vorst, Jesse et al. (ed.)
Publisher:  Society for Socialist Studies/Between the Lines, Canada
Year Published:  1989
Pages:  264pp   Price:  $19.95   ISBN:  ISBN 0-921284-26-8
Library of Congress Number:  HN103.5.R33 1990   Dewey:  305.0971
Resource Type:  Serial Publication (Periodical)
Cx Number:  CX4132

Takes a historical and theoretical approach to the themes of race, class and gender. Issues touched on include the role of the state in organizing gender and ethnic group formation; racism in the women's movement; patriarchy; colonial domination of Indian women; racism and sexism in trade unions.

Abstract: 
This anthology tackles the heated debate now gripping various socially and politically active organizations: is the women's movement unwittingly racist? How are the politics of race, class and gender related?
The book takes historical and theoretical approaches to the themes of race, class and gender. Issues touched on include the role of the state in organizing gender and ethnic group formation through colonization, immigration and other "nation-building" practices; the effects of slavery on black women; systemic racism in the women's movement; the concept of patriarchy; colonial domination of Indian women; racism and sexism in trade unions; the development of a women's centre and cooperatives in Mexico.
One representative article argues that contemporary feminists do not consider differences among women based on race or class. The leaders of the women's movement -- highly educated, white, comfortable -- are not aware of race and class oppression. By overlooking the `multiplicity of women's experience,' they risk becoming the oppressors, excluding women more powerless than themselves. When they refer to women, they refer to white women. Racism is thus a serious problem to be confronted by the feminist movement, a racism "entrenched in our ways of thinking."



Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Sexism, Racism, and Canadian Nationalism
2. Focus on Black Women!
3. Women's Oppression and Racism: A Critique of the "Feminist Standpoint"
4. What is Patriarchy?
5. Race, Class and Gender: Colonial Domination of Indian Women
6. Race, Class and Marginality in a Manitoba Interlake Settlement 1850 - 1950
7. Canada's Immigration Policy and Domestics from the Caribbean: The Second Domestic Scheme
8. Linking the Struggles: Racism, Feminism and the Union Movement
9. Métis Women and the Economy of Northern Saskatchewan
10. Living the Gospel Through Service to the Poor: The Convergence of Political and Religious Motivations in Organizing Maquiladora Workers in Juarez, Mexico

Abstracts (English)
Abrégés (francais)
About the Authors
The First Four Annuals: Tables of Contents

Subject Headings

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