Alcoff (1991), "The Problem of Speaking for Others"

1. Speaking carries constraints, and it is not always afforded to every individual every time.

Alcoff (1991) argues that universalized positions are dangerous and unhelpful in feminist criticism. She criticizes the idea that one should *never* speak for others or that speaking for others is always problematic. This is because speaking is not simply a matter of choice, since choice is constrained and not everyone has access to the rituals of speaking.

2. Rather than speaking for others, we should speak to others.

When a privileged person speaks for an oppressed person, Alcoff (1991) argues, the structure is mired in privilege.  Therefore, it is the structure that needs to be altered. Alcoff (1991) therefore urges feminist scholars to find ways to create conditions for dialogue.