Financial Feminist – 109. Can Feminism Exist in Capitalism? with Rebecca Walker

Intro

In this episode of the Financial Feminist podcast, host Tori aims to amplify voices and perspectives that are often silenced and marginalized. As a money expert, Tori helps listeners save money, pay off debt, and start investing while fighting against the patriarchy. In this episode, Tori is joined by Rebecca Walker, the creator of the concept of Third Wave Feminism and a prominent writer and producer in the field of gender, race, culture, and power.

Main Takeaways

Feminism and Capitalism

• Rebecca Walker discusses the intersection of feminism and capitalism in her new book, “Women Talk Money”.
• Financial feminism aims to create a more equitable society by understanding the power of money to transform the world.
• The patriarchy plays a significant role in how money is controlled and distributed.

Unions and Collective Bargaining

• Rebecca Walker emphasizes the importance of unions and collective bargaining, highlighting the ongoing WGA Strikes.
• Unions are crucial in creating a more equitable structure for industries and protecting workers’ rights.
• The dissolution of unions has led to the rise of the gig economy and created vulnerabilities for workers.

Personal Stories and Money

• Rebecca Walker’s book, “Women Talk Money”, encourages women to understand their personal stories about money and align their financial decisions with their values.
• Money has been historically used to control women’s bodies and labor.
• Black women with money are often criminalized and seen as a threat.

Consciousness and Financial Choices

• Rebecca Walker believes that consciousness is crucial for survival, and understanding the stories and experiences of others is essential.
• Being conscious of the impact of our financial choices is important in creating a more equitable and balanced society.
• Small changes in our habits can resist hyper-consumerism and support a more conscious approach to money.

Summary

Feminism, Capitalism, and Financial Empowerment

In this episode, Tori and Rebecca Walker delve into the complex relationship between feminism and capitalism. Rebecca’s new book, “Women Talk Money”, explores the emotional and practical aspects of money, shedding light on how the patriarchy influences our financial decisions. Financial feminism, as defined by Rebecca, involves understanding the power of money to create a more equitable society for all. By sharing personal stories and amplifying marginalized voices, Rebecca aims to challenge the existing narratives and culture surrounding money.

The Importance of Unions and Collective Bargaining

Rebecca emphasizes the significance of unions and collective bargaining in creating a fairer structure for industries. The ongoing WGA Strikes serve as an example of the power of collective action in protecting workers’ rights. The dissolution of unions has led to the rise of the gig economy, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation. Rebecca highlights the need to support unions and prevent the replacement of workers with AI-generated work.

Understanding Personal Stories and Money

“Women Talk Money” encourages women to explore their personal stories about money and align their financial decisions with their values. Money has historically been used to control women’s bodies and labor, perpetuating inequities. Rebecca sheds light on the criminalization of black women with money and the impact of financial desperation on marginalized communities. By understanding these narratives, individuals can challenge the existing power dynamics and work towards a more just society.

The Power of Conscious Financial Choices

Rebecca emphasizes the importance of consciousness in financial decision-making. By being aware of the impact of our actions and choices, we can resist hyper-consumerism and support a more balanced and holistic lifestyle. Small changes in our habits can contribute to a more conscious approach to money. Rebecca encourages individuals to focus on what they care about and how they can use their resources to make a positive impact. In an attention-grabbing world, regaining our focus and thinking deeply in a humanistic way is crucial.

Conclusion

Rebecca Walker’s insightful conversation with Tori explores the complex relationship between feminism and capitalism, shedding light on the power dynamics surrounding money. By understanding personal stories, supporting unions, and making conscious financial choices, individuals can contribute to creating a more equitable society. Financial empowerment and challenging existing narratives are essential for achieving a balanced and just future.