Global Feminism Summary and Analysis

Early in the movement, privileged-class white women took charge of the feminist movement, expecting whites of lower classes and blacks to be followers. These white women proclaiming the need for gender equality did not bother to determine if similar movements were active in other parts of the world. These women emerged as the authentic representatives of feminism, forcing women of color and "radical" white women to the background. Radical feminists were dismayed to learn that their "leaders" while spouting feminist jargon were firmly committed to Western imperialism. Their arrogance led them to think they could establish the feminist agenda for other women of the world, particularly third-world countries. That attitude mimicked the pervasive sexist and racist attitude of powerful men.

Great concern exists among feminists for the plight of women in third-world countries. Conditions such as forced female circumcision...