THE CHALLENGES OF WOMANISM IN ALICE WALKER'S NOVELS

Abstract

The article describes the development of womanism as an alternative movement to feminism. It advocates inclusivity over exclusivity, whether related to race, class, or gender. Womanism created a political framework for women of color and gave them tools to challenge the patriarchy that imposes restrictive norms and negative stereotypes. She also fought against the limitations of feminism, which was especially evident in the field of literary studies. Womanism is also associated with new movements within feminism such as women's theology and eco-feminism.