REFERENCES For
WOMEN ORGANIZERS
from 1990-2002
Compiled by Yulya Nakleushev
for the Women Organizers’ Project
c/o ECCO/HCSSW
129 East 79th Street
Terry Mizrahi, Project Director
tmizrahi@nyc.rr.com, 212.452.7112
commorg_21@yahoo.com, 212.452.7132
The
following organizing reference guide is a compilation of books, journal
articles, and other published works that focus on women organizing and
activism, feminist organizing, diversity and international issues related to
activism and organizing from the years 1990 to 2002.
This updated "women and organizing"
collection begins where our previous reference guide left off, and spans the
last decade, and in particular, the last few years. The reference list was
created as a result of the many one-on-one interviews conducted, where numerous
Women on the Advance participants in 1989 and other women
surveyed in the late 1980’s. They listed the works that influenced them and
that they use, or they themselves wrote.
The list also includes the results of an extensive search of contemporary books, journal articles, and other sources that reflect on issues related to women and organizing, activism, and diversity on both a national and international level.
We
thank all of the Women on the Advance participants
whose time, effort, and materials helped make this reference guide
possible. We hope you will find these
resources useful in your work and lives! We are also interested in receiving
additional documents, reports and other materials that you think would be
valuable to organizers and activists, especially women.
Terry Mizrahi, Project Director (212) 452-7112 tmizrahi@nyc.rr.com
Yulya
Nakleuslev, Project Staff
This
project was made possible with a small grant from the Diversity Fund of
CUNY-
Summer
2002.
Acker, J. (Summer, 2000).
"Revisiting Class: Thinking From Gender, Race, and Organizations." Social
Politics 7(2): 192‑214.
This
article explores gender and organizations and their intersections with race and
class. The article addresses class by retheorizing feminist thinking, and
suggests that gender, class, and race relations are mutually produced in
ongoing processes. It discusses "regimes of inequality" and explores
inequality within organizations.
Ackelsberg, M. (2001).
"Reconceiving Politics? Women's Activism and Democracy in a Time of
Retrenchment." Feminist Studies 27(2): 391‑418.
This article reviews and describes 6 books relevant to
women and organizing and activism.
• Grassroots Warriors: Activist Mothering, Community Work and the War on Poverty
by Nancy Naples
• Community Activism and Feminist Politics: Organizing across race, class, and gender.
Edited by Nancy Naples
• No Middle Ground: Women and Radical Protest, edited by Kathleen Blee.
• The Politics of Motherhood: Activist Voices from Left to Right, edited by Alexis Jetter,
Annelise Orleck and Diana Taylor.
• Crazy for Democracy: Women in Grassroots Movements by Temma Kaplan.
• Cultures of Politcs, Politics of Cultures: Re-Visioning Latin American Social Movements,
edited by Sonia E. Alvarez, Evelivia Dagnino and Arturo
Escobar.
Alonso, J. (October, 1997). "Women's Way of Organizing."
Women's Review of Books 15(1).
This
article reviews the book "We Can't Eat Prestige: The Women Who Organized
Harvard,” by John Hoerr Profile of Kristine Rondeau, a lab assistant and union
organizer at Harvard Medical School; Questions women domination.
Brandwein,
R. A. (Summer/Fall 1981). "Toward the Feminization of Community and
Organization Practice." Social Development 5(2‑3):180‑193.
The history of women's involvement in the origins of
community organizing in the U. S. has largely been hidden from view. A
revisionist view of that history is presented and the sex‑role models of
C. O. practice are defined. New role models are suggested against the context
of power and control and emerging notions of "wholistic" practice.
The implications for curricular design are then presented.
Briskin,
L. (September/October 1999). "Autonomy, Diversity, and Integration: Union
Women's Separate Organizing in North America and.Western Europe in the Context
of Restructuring and Globalization." Women's Studies International
Forum 22(5):543-554.
This article analyzes the significance of educational
programs and conferences organized by and for women. Evolution of women's
response to male domination and patriarchal cultures; Representation of women
and constituency building; Impacts of the changes in social, political, and
economic organization on women,
Dawson,
R.P. (Fall 1996). “When Women Gather: The NGO Forum of the Fourth World
Conference on Women, Beijing, 1995.” International Journal of Politics,
Culture, and Society, 10(1):7-27.
This article details and
reviews the events and discussions that took place at the Fourth World
Conference on Women.
East,
J.F. (Summer 2000). “Empowerment Through Welfare Rights Organizing: A Feminist
Perspective.”
Affilia:
Journal of Women and Social Work,
15(2):311-328.
This article describes a community-based welfare
reform-welfare rights organizing coalition that is based on a feminist
empowerment model of practice. The experiences of women who have participated
in the coalition are highlighted, and suggested courses of action for
organizing such coalitions are proposed.
Esman,
M. (1997). “Organizing for Equality: The Evolution of Women’s Racial-Ethnic
Organizations in America-1955-1985.” American Journal of Sociology,
103(1):239-240.
This article briefly describes and reviews the book.
Faver.
C.A. Faver, C. A. (Fall/Winter, 1994). "Feminist Ideology and Strategies
for Social Change: An Analysis of Social Movements." The Journal of
Applied Social Sciences 18(1):123-134.
The feminist worldview, epistemology, and vision
emphasize connectedness, equality, interdependence, and diversity. Based on
this foundation, feminist ideology is manifested in women's social activism
through consciousness raising, empowerment, holistic spirituality, egalitarian
leadership styles, inclusiveness, and integration of life spheres. The analysis
of feminist ideology and women's social activism suggests three feminist
strategies for social change: first, in defining issues and creating an agenda
for action, make explicit connections between the different spheres of life
(home, work, and community) and between local organizing efforts and national
politics; second, nurture community within women's social networks as the
context for motivating, empowering, and sustaining women in their work for
social change; finally, build coalitions among groups of women having different
primary agendas by confronting directly the racism, elitism, and homophobia
that threaten women's solidarity.
Ferguson, K. E. (2001). "Women and
Grassroots Organizing." Women and Politics 22 (1): 97‑111.
This
article describes and reviews 5 books on women and organizing and activism.
Grahame, K. M. (1998). "Feminist Organizing and
the Politics of Inclusion." Human Studies 21(4): 377‑393.
This paper examines the attempts of one mainstream
women's organization to organize and include women of color ..The analysis
problematizes the concept of “organizing women of color” and
“inclusion/exclusion.”
Gutierrez, L & Lewis, E. (1994). “Community
Organizing With Women of Color: A Feminist Approach.”
Journal of Community Practice, 1(2):23-44.
This article considers ways in which community organizing
methods can be made more effective for use with groups of women. The
deficiencies of feminist theory in analyzing women of color’s lives and
experience is addressed. The article suggests organizing methods that
simultaneously address race and gender.
Haywoode, T. (1997). "Working‑Class
Women and Local Politics: Styles of Community Organizing." Research in
Politics and Society 7:111‑134.
This article describes poor and working class women's
styles of organizing and activism including the usage of daily social ties and
informal bonds in organizing and activism. The article discusses working class
feminism.
Hoyman, M. (1989). "Working Women: The Potential
of Unionization and Collective Action in the United States." Women's
Studies International Forum 12(1): 51‑58.
This article examines instances of working women's
direct action historically as well as the prospects of organizing women workers
in the future.
Hubbard, A. S. (1996). "The Activist Academic and
the Stigma of Community Housework." Sociological Imagination 33(1):
73‑87.
This paper explores the special challenges faced by
academics who are also involve din community organizing. For example, activist
academics face certain risks when they espouse unpopular ideas, whether popular
or not. However, as community organizers they also engage in low‑status,
unpaid work which is considered unprofessional by the academic community. This
paper draws on feminist critiques of housework and women's volunteering to
argue for a deeper understanding of the difficulty of integrating both academic
work and activism.
Hyde, C. (September, 1986). "Experiences
of Women Activists: Implications fro Community Organizing Theory and
Practice." Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare 13(3): 545‑562.
This paper explores the experiences of women
activists, primarily in the labor, peace, and feminist movements. A number of
salient themes, generated in interviews with and presentations by women
activist are identified. Suggestions are made as to how and why these themes
should be integrated into community organizing practice.
Lee, B. & Weeks, W. (July, 1991). "Social
Action Theory and the Women's Movement: An Analysis of Assumption." Community
Development 26(3): 220‑226.
This article explores and challenges the class,
poverty and unity assumptions present in community organizing theory and how
these are both important to and challenged by Women's Movement organizing. The
authors assert that gender as well as the structure of women's lives are
important variables that must be included in social analysis. Looks at
community organization theory and women's movement organizing.
Martell, D., Avitabile, N.E. (Winter, 1998).
"Feminist Community Organizing on a College Campus." Affilia:
Journal of Women and Social Work 13(4): 393-410.
This
article illustrates the application and evaluation of feminist community
organizing principles by a college women's center during the early to mid
1990's. Purpose of community organizing; Information on Sexual Assault Task
Force; Analysis of feminist community organizing techniques.
Prindeville, D.‑M.& Bretting, J.G. (1998).
"Indigenous Women Activists and Political Participation: The Case of
Environmental Justice." Women and Politics 19(1): 39‑58.
This article examines the political identity,
demographics, and experiences of 16 Latina and Native American activists in
environmental justice organizations in New Mexico. A model of grassroots
activism is developed. Additionally, alternative conceptualizations of feminism
and environmentalism are presented from the perspective of indigenous women
leaders.
Rose, M. (Winter, 1995). "Women Power Will Stop
Those Grapes": Chicano Organizers and Middle‑class Female Supporters
in the Farm Workers' Grape Boycott in Philadelphia, 1969‑1970." Journal
of Women's History 7(4): 6-36.
Smith, B. E. (December, 1995). "Crossing
the Great Divides: Race, Class, and Gender in Southern Women’s Organizing.” Gender
and Society, 9(6):680-696.
This
article addresses the question: How can we create coherent, inclusive political
movements when the race, class,
and gender oppressions we seek to dismantle divide us internally? The article
explores the history of the Southeast Women’s Employment Coalition which sought
to unify women across these lines. The author concludes that gender is
insufficient to effect political unity and suggests that a ‘politics of
solidarity’ based on an appreciation of the intersections of race, class and
gender is possible.
Stall, S. & Stoecker, R. (1998). “Community
Organizing or Organizing Community? Gender and the Crafts of Empowerment.” Gender
and Society, 12(6):729-756.
This article examines and compares 2 methods of
community organizing - the Alinsky model and the “women-centered-model.”
Tronto, J. C. (Summer, 1990). "Women's Movements:
Organizing for Change." NWSA Journal: A Publication of the National
Women's Studies Association 2(3): 492‑495.
Lists and
briefly describes five books on women's movements and activism:
• Women in the Judicial Process by Beverly B. Cook, Leslie f. Goldstein, Karen O’Connor, and
Susette
M. Talarico
• Women’s Movements: Organizing for Arange by Joyce Belb and Ethel Klein.
• Women and Power in American Politics by Hilda K. Hedblow
•
Women, Political Action, and Political
Participation by Virginia Sapiro.
•
Women’s Rights, Feminism, and Politics in the
United States by Mary Lyndon Shanley.
Whittier, N. (Fall, 1994). "Contemporary Women's
Movements." NWSA Journal: A Publication of the National Women's Studies
Association 6(3): 475‑483.
Reviews five books related to women's movements and
activism
• Challenging Times: The Women’s Movement in Canada and the United States edited by Constance Baddouse and David H. Flaberty.
• Inviting Women’s Rebellion: A Political Process Interpretation of the Women’s Movement by Anne N. Costain
• Moving the Mountain: The Women’s Movement in America since 1960 by Flora Davis.
• Gender Shock: Practicing Feminism in Two Continents by Hester Eisenstein
• Feminism and the Women’s Movement: Dynamics of Change in Social Movement Ideology and Activism by Barbara Ryan.
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
Arunachalam, J. S., R: Meera, S. (1996).
"Grassroot Women Organizing: The Working Women's Forum Experience." Development
3.
Looks at the formation and activities of the
grassroots Working Women's Forum (WWF) in India. The WWF arose in reaction to
charity and patronage approaches to poverty alleviation, fueled by the belief
that poor women can and must participate in their own development.
Campfens, H. (1990). "Issues in Organizing
Impoverished Women in Latin America." Social Development Issues 13(1):
20‑43.
An investigation of the recent growth in organizing
activities among women of the popular sector residing in shanty‑towns
across Latin America.
Cunnison, S. (November, 1995). "Trade Unions and
Women's Way of Organizing: A Case From..." Journal of Gender Studies 4(3):327-332.
Reports on the methods and forms of trade union
organizations developed by women in Northern Ireland. Fight against privatization
of public services; Role played by Inez McCormack in devising organizing policy
of trade unions.
Dawson, R. P. (Fall, 1996). "When Women Gather:
The NGO Forum of the Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing, 1995." International
Journal Of Politics. Culture, and Society 10(1): 7‑27.
This article details and reviews the events and
discussions that took place at the Fourth World Conference on Women.
Desai, M. (Spring, 1996). "From Vienna to
Beijing: Women's Human Rights Activism and the Human Rights Community." New
Political Science 35:107‑119.
The narrowing gap between two factions of the women's
human rights movement (WHRM) is examined in reference to the efforts of the
international WHRM at the two UN world conferences: the Second World Conference
on Human Rights in Vienna, Austria (1993), and the Fourth World Conference on
Women in Beijing, China.
Huiskamp, G. (June, 2000). "Identity Politics and
Democratic Transitions in Latin America: (Re)Organizing Women's Strategic
Interest Through Community Activism." Theory and Society 29(3): 385‑424.
This article draws on revisionist feminist and social
movement 'Yransitology" literature to examine the impact on political
transformation of popular sector women's movements in contemporary Latin
America, particularly among rural women.
Khor (Fall, 1999). "Organizing for Change:
Women's Grassroots Activism in Japan." Feminist Studies 25(3):
633-662.
Explores women's activism and women's organizations in
Japan. Ideas and orientation underlying such activism: Feminist organizing as
constituting one of many sites of feminist practice; Aim of countering
literature on the subordination and submissiveness of Japanese women;
Contradictions embedded in womancentered approach; Progressive potential of
Japanese feminism.
Moghadam, V. M. (July, 2001).
"Organizing Women: The New Women’s Movement in Algeria." Cultural
Dynamics 13(2): 131-154.
Examines the women's movement in Algeria in the
context of domestic, regional, and global developments. Expansion of feminism
in the region; Factors contributing to the emergence of the movement; Link of
emergence of Algerian feminist politics with global feminism.
Saptari, R. U., Artien (1997). "Gender Interests
and the Struggle of NGO's Within and Beyond the State: The Experience of Women
Organizing in Indonesia." Journal fur Entwicklunospolitik 13(3):
319‑339.
Examines the constraints and potentials of
nongovernmental organizations and women's groups in Indonesia in advocating for
women's interests and needs, in the context of domestic and international
politics. Looks at constraints of NGO's.
Shayne, J. D. (2001). "Unconscious Feminist
Consciousness: The Women's Movement in Post‑Insurrection Cuba (1959‑1999)."
Southern Sociological Society.
This article discusses the status of women in post‑insurrection
Cuba and considers the concept and/or existence of Cuban feminism or feminist
consciousness.
Stewart, S. T., Jill (1995). "Women Organizing
Women‑'Doing It Backwards and in High Heels'." IDS Bulletin 26(3):
79‑85.
Discusses the formative stages of Zimbabwean
nongovernmental organization (NGO), the Musaba Project. The process of arriving
at a particular organizational model is examined, with attention to problems
experienced in an organization run by and for women, the issue of gendered
"dis‑ease" in tech public sphere and how it affects
performance, and the impact of increased external funding on the organizational
model.
Subramaniam, M. (July, 2001). "Translating
Participation in Informal Organizations Into Empowerment: Women in Rural
India." Dissertation Abstracts International. A: The Humanities and
Social Sciences 62(1): 352-A.
This dissertation research analyzes the degree to
which poor women are socially empowered because of group participation.
Trotz, D. A. P., Linda (June, 2001). "Work,
Family, and Organizing: An Overview of the Contemporary Economic, Social and
Political Roles of Women In Guyana." Social and Economic Studies 50(2):
67‑101. This article
attempts an overview of the contemporary landscape of factors that have
affected the formation of Guyanese women's economic, social, and political
roles since independence in 1966.
BOOKS
Blee, K. M. (1998). No Middle Ground: Women and
Radical Protest. New York, London, New York University Press.
This book brings together a wide variety of studies
that produce new insights into women's role in radical and nonmainstream
political movements in modem U. S. society.
Minikoff, C.D. (1995). Organizing for Equality: The
Evolution of Women’s and Racial-Ethnic Organizations in America. New
Brunswick, NJ.: Rutgers University Press.
Naples, N. (1998). Community Activism and Feminist
Politics: Organizing Across Race. Class, and Gender. New York and London,
Routledge.
This
collection of writings reflects on women's community activism and organizing
efforts towards progressive social change. It presents an array of women's
activism from the 1960's to the 1990's.
Pope, J. (1986). Organizing Women on Welfare:
Planning at the Grassroots Level. Ann Arbor, Columbia University.
This case study examines the successful mobilization
activities of urban poor women, for social change and how they struggled to
convince the larger society of the legitimacy of their cause.
Robnett, B. (1999). Chapter 5- “Women in the Student
Non‑Violent Coordinating Committee: ldeology. Organizational Structure,
and Leadership.” In P. Ling, et.al., (Ed.) Gender In the Civil Rights
Movement, pp. 131-168.New York, Garland.
Focuses on the Student Non‑Violent Coordinating
Committee (SNCC) to argue that ideology shapes organizational structures, which
in turn affect the potential for women to become leaders. Looks at issues of
women's empowerment, consensus, participatory democracy, etc.
Ryan, B. (1992). Feminism and the Women's Movement:
Dynamics of Change in Social Movement Ideology and Activism. New York,
Routledge.
This
book draws on participant observation of diverse groups involved in the women's
movement, interviews with 44 long‑term activists, and readings of
historic and contemporary movement publications to integrate a broad historical
view of the US women's movement with an analytical framework drawn from the
theory of social movements.