Womanism

There are a variety of definitions that have been offered to define womanism. An underlying tenet among many definitions of womanism is that it originates from the racial and gender oppression of Black women. Although there is no single [Page 1785]established definition, this ambiguity allows for constant reshaping of this philosophy. One constant is that womanist scholars emphasize the intersection of gender, race, class, sexuality, and psychological processes at both interpersonal and institutional levels. This entry discusses the critical thought and writings of Alice Walker, who coined the term womanism, and subsequent theorists who expanded and redefined this term in an effort to encompass multiple perspectives. This entry concludes with a discussion of the conflict that exists between womanist and feminist theories.