Skip to content

Black Quote by Gail Collins

“When the women's movement began, it was a middle-class phenomenon. Certainly, black women had other stuff to think about in the '60s besides a women's movement. Working-class women were slow to get into it.” quote by Gail Collins
Download Open image
“When the women's movement began, it was a middle-class phenomenon. Certainly, black women had other stuff to think about in the '60s besides a women's movement. Working-class women were slow to get into it.”

Gail Collins

About This Quote

Source Book: The New York Times Book Review, 1990s article on feminism

The early feminist movement was primarily driven by middle‑class women, while Black and working‑class women faced other priorities and joined later.

In simple terms: Middle‑class women led early feminism; other groups joined later.

Key Takeaway

Recognize diverse experiences in activism.

Themes

feminism class intersectionality

Mood

reflective critical

Type

historical analytical

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • policy advocacy
  • community organizing
  • education campaigns

Key Concepts

social movements historical context

Questions to Reflect On

  • How did class shape feminist priorities?
  • What barriers did Black women face?
A Different Perspective

Overlooks individual agency within groups.

3.8 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Gail Collins

Explore all 127 Gail Collins quotes

More Black quotes

Browse all 11,655 Black quotes