The Powers That Might Be: The Unity of White and Black Feminists

Abstract

The contemporary women's movement has failed to bring together white women and women of color around a common agenda for social change that will be beneficial to all women. This article traces the history of the failed efforts of white women and black women to form permanent alliances for change. It suggests that the mutuality of goals related to work and family roles is a starting point for joint activities to reverse past separatism. The authors propose strategies that white feminist social workers can use to achieve a fuller realization of the potential power of the women's movement.