Women, Race & Class

In Chapter 4, Davis outlines two opposing factions that were bitterly divided on the issue of the 14th and 15th Amendments. What approach could these factions have taken to satisfy both of their concerns? How would they have accomplished this? Propose a plan that you believe would have helped unify these conflicting sides. Explain in detail what goals and actions it would involve.

How does Davis use primary sources, such as quotes from historical figures, to illustrate her arguments? Discuss three to five examples of the sources she cites, what arguments she supports with those sources, and how they bolster her arguments.

Davis references several matters or events that were happening during or around the time she published this book. Consider present-day circumstances and recent events, such as the #metoo movement and the increased presence of women in the workforce since Davis’s time. Does Davis’s analysis remain relevant to the present day? If yes, how so? If no, why not?

What potential power does Davis believe solidarity among differing groups to have in strengthening movements for equality? Provide two or three historical examples of such solidarity and discuss what they were able to achieve.

In what ways does Davis use statistical data throughout the book? Choose three examples of statistics and explain how Davis uses them to illustrate her key arguments.

Davis repeatedly criticizes the shortcomings of the white leaders of the women’s rights movement for their approach and attitudes toward the struggle for Black equality. In what ways does she believe they failed, and in what ways does she believe they could have done better? Compare her criticism of these figures with her praise for other historical figures throughout the book.

In the last few chapters of the book, Davis discusses potential solutions to contemporary issues based on lessons learned from the past. She particularly suggests strategies based on socialist policies. Do you believe her arguments and proposals retain relevance today? If yes, what challenges do you see in implementing her proposals? If not, explain why her arguments are no longer relevant.

Intersectionality and Marxism are sometimes seen as incompatible, with Marxism (to an intersectionalist) explaining away forces like racism and sexism as mere offshoots of capitalism and intersectionality (to a Marxist) framing class as a merely another dimension of identity or oppression rather than a driving force of history. However, Women, Race & Class combines these two approaches. How does Davis balance intersectional and Marxist analysis throughout the book? Is her approach persuasive?