This piece was written for the December 2024 edition of Postscripts, Shamillah Wilson’s monthly round-up of what’s been happening in feminist circles, her work, and some recommended reading suggestions.
Feminist Reads
1. The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan
A classic text that sparked the second wave of feminism in the U.S., The Feminine Mystique critiques society’s idealisation of women as housewives and mothers. In it, Friedan urges women to explore personal fulfilment beyond traditional roles. This book is a great starting point for those interested in understanding the historical roots of modern feminist thought.
2. Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America by Melissa V. Harris-Perry
Harris-Perry explores the intersection of race, gender and politics, looking at how negative stereotypes of Black women have shaped their political behaviour and experiences in the U.S. This book is a must-read for understanding how race and gender are interwoven in the feminist movement, particularly from a Black feminist perspective.
3. The Revolution Will Not Be Funded: Beyond the Non-Profit Industrial Complex edited by INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence
This anthology examines the limitations of the nonprofit sector in supporting radical social justice work. It critiques how the nonprofit industrial complex can sometimes coopt activism, especially within marginalised communities. It’s an important read for those wanting to learn more about intersectionality, organising, and the politics of funding in social justice movements.
4. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
This collection of essays explores what it means to be a feminist in a world of contradictions and complexities. Gay brings humour, nuance and honesty to topics such as race, gender, pop culture and identity, making this an engaging read for anyone navigating a feminist journey.
5. The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir
One of the foundational texts in feminist philosophy, De Beauvoir examines how women have historically been defined as the “other” and explores the social constructs of gender. Although a dense read, this book is essential for those wanting to dive deep into feminist theory and understand the roots of gender inequality.
6. Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center by bell hooks
bell hooks is a revolutionary thinker, and this book is a critical text for understanding feminist theory from an intersectional lens. hooks critiques mainstream feminism and calls for a more inclusive, radical approach that centres marginalised voices, particularly Black women, queer people and the working class.
7. In Our Own Backyards: Human Rights, Environmental Justice, and the Politics of Gender by Dorothy Q. Thomas
In Our Own Backyards is a thoughtful exploration of how human rights, environmental justice and feminist politics intersect. This book examines environmental degradation and how gendered power structures play a role in environmental injustice, providing a global perspective on feminism and activism.
8. Women, Race, & Class by Angela Davis
This book is a profound historical analysis of the intersection of race, gender, and class within the U.S. women’s liberation movement. Davis documents how Black women were often marginalised within mainstream feminist movements and how their experiences shaped the broader fight for gender equality. It’s essential for understanding the roots of intersectionality.
9. The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson
A genre-defying memoir that blends personal narrative with cultural analysis, The Argonauts explores identity, gender, sexuality and the politics of family making. Nelson’s writing challenges norms around relationships, gender and motherhood, and it’s a great read for anyone seeking a more fluid, open understanding of gender and intimacy.
10. Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall
A powerful critique of mainstream feminism, Kendall’s book addresses how the feminist movement often overlooks issues of race, class and socioeconomic status. This book is a clarion call for intersectional feminism and offers important lessons on building a more inclusive movement that truly serves all women.
11. Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire
While not strictly feminist, this is a foundational text for understanding the relationship between education, power and liberation. Freire’s ideas on critical pedagogy are essential for anyone looking to ground social justice in educational practices. Feminist educators and activists will find his work deeply influential in understanding how systems of oppression can be dismantled through collective learning and action.
12. All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks
A transformative exploration of love, in All About Love hooks addresses how love can be a force for personal and societal transformation. She critiques the way love is often idealised or misunderstood in mainstream culture, and advocates for love rooted in justice, care and mutual respect. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to bring more love and justice into their personal and activist life.
13. Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements by Charlene A. Carruthers
Carruthers’ radical call for intersectional activism, demands that Black, queer, and feminist movements be unapologetic in their fight for justice. Her work emphasises collective organising and radical vision, making it an inspiring read for anyone interested in building stronger, more inclusive movements for change.
Are there any books I might have missed? Share your recommendations with me on social media!
