Theories of Intersectionality and Oppression - 1238 Words

The concept that all oppressions are inherently linked underlies the theory of intersectionality that implies interactions of multiple systems of oppression, discrimination, and exclusion. Although we have been exposed to an extraordinarily wide variety of literature throughout the semester, with various standpoints, from very different regions of the world– the one unique concept in which they share is this underlying theme of intersectionality. In their own way, each author points out that we must recognize race, class, and gender as interlocking categories of analysis that together create profound differences in personal identity. The implications of this study provide a new and innovative and effective way in analyzing and understanding the intricacies and power dynamics that play out in not only the United States but on an increasingly global scale. This theory also lends itself to understanding the continual and perpetuating marginalization of women around the world, and how complex and interconnected their experience of oppression is, and why as critical thinkers we cannot discuss gender as stagnant or one-dimensional or merely continental. Stacyann Chin, very eloquently suggests through this statement that all oppression is inherently connected, which is evident through various literatures in which we’ve read this semester. Most evidentially, Dorothy Allison essay, â€Å"A Question of Class,† reveals that there are common elements of oppression and that we cannot viewShow MoreRelatedFeminist Theory And Feminist Theory901 Words   |  4 Pagesfrom the past readings. Feminist theory and intersectionality. I have taken some Women’s studies courses before so I am familiar with feminist theory. Intersectionality is trickier for me as I am a white, female, privilege Canadian woman who has not faced any oppressions for what I look like. The only oppressions I face are for being a woman and there is no intersectionality with having only one oppression. I will explore both feminist theory and intersectionality and finish off with battered womensRead MoreFeminism And The Feminist Movement1006 Words   |  5 PagesIt was not until Kimberlà © Crenshaw introduced the term â€Å"intersectionality† in 1989 that feminism started to look at oppressed group’s needs (Nash, 2008, 2). Intersectionality is a way of thinking that acknowledges that when a person has identities that belong to more than one oppressed group, it impacts their quality of life more negatively. In this paper, I will argue that intersectionality is important in the discussion of feminist theories and activism because it ensures that feminism is for allRead MoreCritical Analysis Of Olivia Popes Scandal1158 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Intersectionality can be referred to as a sociological theory that describes multiple threats of discrimination when a person’s identity overlaps with a number of minority classes in terms of gender, age, race, health, ethnicity, and many other features (Vardeman-Winter Tindall, 2010). In essence, intersectionality is a framework employed in conceptualizing an individual, group of people, or social problem as affected by a myriad of discriminations and disadvantages. The intersectionalityRead MoreIntersectionality Essay853 Words   |  4 PagesBerlyn Valdez WGS 150 October 16, 2017 Midterm Essay Intersectionality The term intersectionality is a very complex word with room for an open range for multiple definitions. Intersectionality is used to understand numerous types of oppressions and discriminations against people. Although, intersectionality wasnt used as a term until the 1980’s by Kimberle Crenshaw, an american civil rights activist and feminist, as a label for the types of oppressions women of color experienced. This is crucial forRead MoreRace, Racial, And The Individual s Self Concept1729 Words   |  7 Pagesideology, captures an individual’s thoughts and attitudes regarding how they think other Blacks should act. There are four types of ideology: nationalist (emphasizes the uniqueness of Black individuals), oppressed minority (focuses on the shared oppression among minority groups), assimilationist (highlights similarities between Blacks and American society), and humanist (acknowledges the commonalities among all humans). The dimensions of racial identity are postulated to interact with one anotherRead MoreThe Intersection Of Race And Sex1329 Words   |  6 PagesIntersectionality is defined by social categories, such as race and gender that have interconnected to apply to individuals and groups, causing an overlap, which has consequently created a system of discrimination and disadvantages (English Oxford Living Dictionary, 2016). Kimberle Crenshaw coined the term in her article ‘Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Anti-racist Politics’ (1889) whereby her main focusRead MoreUnspeakable Conversations By Harriet Mcbryde Johnson1184 Words   |  5 Pagesunderstand the world and help others, and attempts to directly address oppression by arguing against Professor Singer’s theory and assemble a group of diverse and like-minded people for social change. Oppression is the â€Å"systematically related pressures† that set barriers for certain people (Frye 7). It is the exploitation and the marginalization of subordinate groups. According to Iris Young s Five Faces of Oppression, oppression is also the disdain and powerlessness of these groups. Cultural imperialismRead MorePrivilege And Oppression : Concepts That Provides Clarification On People s Experience1739 Words   |  7 PagesPrivilege and oppression are concepts that provides clarification on people’s experience. They both contribute to intersectionality which explain notion that people’s perspectives and experiences differ in term of the categories of identity. Each person may experience privilege and/ or oppression from institutional structures depending on their situations. It mean that systems of privilege and oppression can intersect and a person could experience privilege and oppression simultaneously. These systemsRead MoreIntersectionality715 Words   |  3 PagesIntersectionality of Gender Inequality Name: Institution: Intersectionality of Gender Inequality For many decades, women have experienced all forms of oppression and constant violence that threatened their existence in the male-dominated society. Various forms of discrimination and oppression have been directed to women for decades. Violence directed at women such as rape and battery were seen and treated as isolatedRead MoreEthnic Identity And Cultural Identity1204 Words   |  5 Pagesenvironments should accommodate aspects of difference among students and to balance the diverse cultural norms through their programs, so as to enhance a positive and productive experience to all students. Queer Theory and Students Identity Development The foundational tenets of queer theory are based on the ideas of French poststructuralist theorists (Foucault, Derrida, Lyotard) who posit that â€Å"knowledge and truth are social constructions that reflect the prevailing interests of those who hold the