New Books in Sociology Sarah Hoiland, "Righteous Sisterhood: The Politics and Power of an All-Women's Motorcycle Club" (Temple UP, 2025)
Nov 23, 2025
Dr. Sarah Hoiland, a sociologist and author, dives into her ethnographic study of an all-women motorcycle club. She discusses how the club serves as a liberating space amidst the male-dominated biking world, exploring its unique initiation rituals and complex dynamics. Hoiland reveals why women are drawn to this community and what prompts some to leave, along with the challenges they face around race and sexuality. With insights on mentorship and recognition, she illustrates the powerful blend of rebellion and sisterhood within this vibrant subculture.
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Naming A New Biker Identity
- Hoiland coins “righteous sister” to name women bikers who form their own all-women MC and prefer riding together.
- The term reclaims motorcycle culture language to highlight female excellence and political presence.
Hidden Women In Hollister Archives
- Hoiland found archival Hollister photos from the 1940s showing women with patched jackets riding alongside men.
- Those images challenged the male-only origin story of outlaw motorcycling culture.
Exclusion Fueled Parallel Women’s MCs
- Women were excluded from male MCs in the 1960s largely over fears they couldn’t defend the patch.
- In response, women modeled all-women clubs on male MC structures to claim equal legitimacy.
