THE CHALLENGES AND PROMISES OF CLASS AND RACIAL DIVERSITY IN THE WOMENS MOVEMENT - A STUDY OF 2 WOMENS ORGANIZATIONS

This article demonstrates how class and racial dynamics generate diffe rent styles of activism among women's movement organizations. Based on a comparative study of two feminist organizations-one composed of low er-class women of color and another of upper-class white women-it char ts the formation of divergent types of gender politics. First, it expl ores how differences in the class and racial backgrounds of the member ships create distinct organizational needs; second, how these divergen t political interests motivate contrasting organizational ideologies, activities, and structures; and finally how they motivate different ap proaches to the wider women's movement. At the conclusion, implication s are drawn for cross-class/race alliances among grassroots women's or ganizations.