The question of voice as it relates to social power is a theme that runs through The Help. Author Kathryn Stockett occasionally shows Aibileen's voice as being heard by those with social power; this occurs primarily through her conversations with Skeeter about her writing—first her article and then her book. One important development is Aibileen’s rejection of Skeeter’s offer of payment. Aibileen modifies her position when she agrees to let Skeeter conduct interviews as well as to vouch for her with other women in the African American community.

Aibileen’s resources to speak primarily make her heard within her own community. It is unlikely that a publisher would offer her a book contract similar to the offer Skeeter received. Although Skeeter is much younger, she is a wealthy white woman with career aspirations in the writing field. Stockett also assigns a voice to Aibileen in alternate chapters of the novel, so that the reader learns additional information that Aibileen has not provided to Skeeter.

Issues of voice and appropriation have also received attention beyond the pages of the novel because of legal action taken against Stockett. Ablene Cooper, who was employed doing child care for Stockett’s family, sued Kathryn Stockett in 2011. Her suit charged that Stockett violated an agreement not to use her likeness and based Aibileen on her.