How Do You Spell WOMANISM?

Pronunciation: [wˈʊmənˌɪzəm] (IPA)

Womanism is a term that refers to a social theory and political movement that prioritizes the experiences and perspectives of Black women. The spelling of the word "womanism" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "wo-", is pronounced like the word "woe" with a long "o" sound. The second syllable, "-man-", is pronounced like the word "man" with a short "a" sound. The final syllable, "-ism", is pronounced like the word "ism" with a long "i" sound. Together, the word is pronounced "WOE-muhn-izm."

WOMANISM Meaning and Definition

1. Womanism is a socio-political concept that emerged in the late 20th century, primarily within the context of the African American community, as a means to address the unique experiences and struggles faced by black women. This term was coined by author and activist Alice Walker in her book "In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens" (1983).

   Womanism encompasses a broader perspective compared to feminism, striving not only for gender equality but also emphasizing the intersectionality of race, class, and other social identities. It acknowledges the complex and multifaceted nature of black womanhood and seeks to dismantle various forms of oppression that black women face, including sexism, racism, and economic exploitation.

   At its core, womanism aims to uplift, empower, and redefine the narratives of black women, challenging traditional notions of womanhood that often fail to account for their unique experiences and struggles. It promotes self-sufficiency, sisterhood, and solidarity among black women while advocating for social justice and equality for all marginalized groups.

   Womanism emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of black women in various spheres, including academia, art, literature, and activism. It encourages self-care, self-love, and self-determination among black women, promoting the belief that their liberation is essential for the liberation of all.

   In summary, womanism is a social, political, and cultural movement that centers the experiences and needs of black women, advocating for their full inclusion, equal rights, and the dismantling of various forms of oppression they face.

Common Misspellings for WOMANISM

• omanism
• somanise
• romanizsm
• wominise
• normmanism
• Cokanisme
• Wismanism
• romatiscm
• homanisms
• Womansisms

Etymology of WOMANISM

The word "womanism" was coined by African American poet and author Alice Walker in 1983. She introduced the term in her collection of essays called "In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens: Womanist Prose".

Etymologically, the term "womanism" is derived from the word "woman" and is seen as an alternative to the more widely known feminism. Walker used the term to focus on the experiences and struggles of African American women, acknowledging their unique position in society and their history of oppression.

Walker explained that she chose the term "womanist" to highlight the importance of the female perspective and to emphasize the intersectionality of race, gender, and class. The term "womanist" acknowledges the importance of cultural heritage, the strength of community relationships, and the resilience of black women in the face of various forms of oppression.