Feminism is the belief in and advocacy for gender equality in political, economic, and social spheres, often expressed through organized efforts to support women's rights. hooks was an ardent feminist, and much of her work revolves around feminist ideology, including Communion. Throughout the text, hooks seeks to create a feminist redefinition of love that places important ideals of freedom, justice, equality, and mutuality at its center. Communion focuses on women’s search for this kind of love, and throughout the entirety of the text hooks engages in feminist critique of love, patriarchy, and the feminist movement itself.

hooks came of age during the second-wave feminist movement, and though she lauds the movement for helping women find freedom and liberation, she does criticize the assertion of many feminists that love is a sign of weakness or less important than power. hooks acknowledges the importance of power, but she also acknowledges the importance of balancing power and love. hooks pursues her own definition of feminism, one that still pushes for gender equality and freedom and liberation for women while placing love at the center, encouraging the cultivation of love that is rooted in mutuality.