Abstract

This article describes the creation, growth, and demise of the Poor and Working Class Caucus of NWSA (National Women's Studies Association), questions the invisibility of class issues in the organization and in Women's Studies, and argues that attention to class is essential. It details the historical context in which the caucus formed (feminist politics of the late 1970s and early 1980s), the challenges it faced, its accomplishments in educating NWSA membership, and its demise in the early 1990s when the organization floundered, following the Akron conference. The author weaves together personal anecdote and political theory to analyze both institutionalized structures and interpersonal versions of class hierarchy and power and utilizes examples from higher education and feminist scholarship. She addresses resistance to class analysis and calls for development of class-consciousness. The article concludes with teaching exercises and bibliographic and conference suggestions.

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