Gender, Black Feminism, and Black Political Economy

Patricia Hill Collins makes convincing arguments in “Gender, Black Feminism, and Black Political Economy” on how the black feminist framework of focusing on the black women’s experience and utilizing “paradigms of intersectionality” can clarify why black women continue to lack access to status, property and power.

I am bothered, however, that Hills Collins begins her article with a critic of W.E.B. Du Bois for ignoring the black feminist standpoint that gender issues must be included at the intersection of race, class and nation to explain social inequalities. Without a doubt, Du Bois wielded great influence as the black intellectual, but how dependent is the advancement of the black female political agenda on black male approval and support? Du Bois was black – but he had a paternal mindset. Consequently, why should Hill Collins blame Du Bois for the shortcomings of the black female agenda? The passionate words and efforts of crusader-journalist Ida B. Wells-Barrett and social activist Anna Julia Cooper weren’t enough to change policy. By blasting Du Bois, is she implying that it will take a man to advance the black feminism platform? Hill Collins’ reference list fails to include one male source.

Secondly, Hill Collins presents sound theory, but fails to quantify her assertions. Hill Collins writes, “Yet African American women’s confinement to a small segment of low-paying jobs reveals how race and gender converge.” (45). I know this is theoretical criticism, but I believe that a few labor statistics would strengthen her argument.

Thirdly, Hills Collins limits her argument to black single mothers. Does the absence of black single females who are childless and not financially burdened with family responsibilities affect her theory on gender and the black political economy?

Lastly, I believe all the planets are aligned in order to move the black feminist epistemology from theory to practice. How will having a black-elected president and first lady spur a “thorough transformation” toward a gender analysis of black political economy?