Why We Need to Say Hooksian: Critiquing Theorization Practices and Introducing a bell hooks Framework

• In Event: My Voice, My Liberation: Critical Methodological Approaches and Frameworks

Abstract

Within the social sciences, empirical research is guided by theory. Yet, the canonization of theory within academia is not an impartial process. Have you ever wondered why we say Marxist but not hooksian? To answer this inquiry, this conceptual manuscript builds upon prior Black feminist scholarship to make two arguments: 1) within academia, knowledge production and theory creation, validation, and dissemination are racist, sexist, and saturated with white supremacy, and 2) as a result, Black women theorist (like bell hooks) are not equally recognized like their white/male intellectual counterparts. Lastly, as a means to move past antiquated theorization practices, I propose a pathway forward by introducing an emerging “hooksian conceptual framework” based on the catalog of theorist bell hooks.

Author

• Lashawn Faith Washington, University of Oklahoma
  Presenting Author