Kristin Figg

WS 202
Reflection 8-3-15
In the introduction for the womanist reader, the difference
between womanism and feminism is discussed. The chapter talks
about how black feminism and womanism are often used
synonymously but most womanists would not agree with this
definition. The main difference between the two movements is the
ways in which they hope to evoke change. Womanism focuses on
changing spirituality and this is a main concept within the movement.
Feminism puts a heavier emphasis on changing the institutional before
changing the spiritual attitudes. Womanism also focuses on all types
of oppression rather than just focusing on gender. Anyone is able to be
considered a womanist as long as they practice hospitality which
essentially means welcoming a variety of opinions and believe that it is
important to change the spiritual before the institutional. If one
considers themselves a womanist, it is also important to know and
acknowledge that womanism was created in response to the
oppression of black women in particular even though womanism is not
very far reaching. Compared to feminism, the language of womanism
is more accessible, they have a holistic model regarding perspectives
on identity and community and people are encouraged to practice
spirituality.

This introduction was very educational regarding what

womanism is and how it operates. I, however, am somewhat critical of
womanism because its policies seem like they would not be as
effective in evoking change. The idea of the kitchen table, where
everyone is entitled to their own opinion as long as everyones opinion
is respected seems like a great way to begin to talk about issues
regarding oppression and even make change in peoples hearts in
minds. However, I think there is more value in working on the spiritual
and institutional simultaneously. While ususally social dictates
political, in heavily divided matters, political has dictated social (ex:
Roe v Wade). I also thought the article seemed to have a more
negative view of modern day feminism in regards to the notion that
they mostly focus on gender issues. I think feminism today has greatly
evolved to being against all forms of oppression and framing the article
in a way that is essentially womanism vs feminism seems rather
divisive, especially when there are so many similar issues between the
two.