“The Woman is Not Always the Bad Guy”

Abstract

Feminist scholars promote an advocacy and social change approach that is rooted in centering women's knowledge and suggestions for change. This article centers and analyzes suggestions made by women staying in shelters for women who have been battered and explores the ways their perspectives reflect individualized or structural discourse and their solutions concentrate needs at the level of survival, equality, or transformation. The article finds that women have a range of perspectives and suggestions, and feminist scholars are encouraged to understand and address these from women's multiple positions while continuing to grapple with how to promote social change to improve women's lives.