Final answer:
Anna Julia Cooper's social theory focused on the importance of education and empowerment of black women arguing this would lead to the progress of the African American community as a whole. her work stressed intersectionality and aimed at achieving social justice and gender equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main idea behind Anna Julia Cooper's social theory emphasizes education, racial uplift, and gender equality. Cooper, a prominent African American scholar and activist, argued that the education and empowerment of black women would lead to the progress of the entire African American community. Her work highlighted the intersectionality of race, gender and class, underscoring the importance of providing equal opportunities and rights for all regardless of social categorization.
Cooper's theory contributed to early discussions on social justice and feminism. She insisted that any societal advancement should involve the upliftment of all members, particularly those most marginalized. By concentrating on the black women's experience and advocating for their active role in shaping society, her theory was an essential part of broader movements such as civil rights and black feminism.