10.2 Intersections of race and gender

Race and gender intersect, creating unique challenges for women of color. They face compounded discrimination, like gendered racism and racialized sexism, leading to disparities in work, health, and justice. This "double jeopardy" affects various aspects of life.

Internalized oppression can result from these experiences, causing self-doubt and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. However, resistance and empowerment are possible through intersectional approaches, building resilience, and fostering solidarity across marginalized groups to challenge systemic oppression.

Intersectional Discrimination

Compounded Marginalization

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• Gendered racism refers to the unique discrimination experienced by women of color, which combines both racial and gender-based prejudice (Black women facing discrimination in the workplace)
• Racialized sexism describes how gender stereotypes and expectations are shaped by race, leading to distinct forms of sexism for women of different racial backgrounds (Asian women being stereotyped as submissive and exotic)
• Double jeopardy is a term used to highlight the compounded disadvantages faced by individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups, such as being both a racial minority and a woman (Latina women facing barriers in education and career advancement)
• Misogynoir specifically refers to the intersection of racism and misogyny directed towards Black women, which includes negative stereotypes, objectification, and discrimination (portrayal of Black women as angry or hypersexual in media)

Unique Challenges and Experiences

• Women of color often face unique challenges in the workplace, including wage disparities, limited access to leadership positions, and higher rates of harassment and discrimination compared to white women or men of color
• The intersection of race and gender can also shape health outcomes, with women of color facing disparities in access to healthcare, maternal mortality rates, and the impact of chronic stress related to discrimination (Black women in the U.S. having higher rates of maternal mortality)
• In the criminal justice system, women of color are disproportionately impacted by policies and practices that perpetuate inequality, such as harsher sentencing, inadequate access to legal representation, and the criminalization of poverty (Indigenous women in Canada being overrepresented in the prison system)

Internalized Oppression

Psychological Impact

• Internalized oppression occurs when individuals from marginalized groups subconsciously adopt and believe the negative stereotypes and biases about their own group, leading to self-doubt, lowered self-esteem, and altered behavior
• Stereotype threat is a phenomenon where individuals feel at risk of confirming negative stereotypes about their social group, which can lead to anxiety and underperformance in certain situations (a woman fearing she will confirm gender stereotypes about math ability during a test)
• Colorism is a form of internalized racism where individuals with lighter skin are favored and privileged over those with darker skin within the same racial or ethnic group, perpetuating hierarchies based on skin tone (preferential treatment of lighter-skinned individuals in employment or media representation)

Manifestations and Consequences

• Internalized oppression can manifest in various ways, such as self-hatred, denial of one's cultural identity, or attempts to assimilate to dominant cultural norms to gain acceptance
• The psychological burden of internalized oppression can contribute to mental health challenges, such as increased rates of depression, anxiety, and trauma among marginalized communities
• Internalized oppression can also lead to divisions and conflicts within marginalized groups, as individuals may seek to distance themselves from negative stereotypes or compete for limited resources and opportunities (tensions between lighter-skinned and darker-skinned individuals within communities of color)

Resistance and Empowerment

Intersectional Approaches

• Resistance to intersectional discrimination requires an intersectional approach that recognizes and addresses the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals with multiple marginalized identities
• Womanism is a social theory and movement that focuses on the experiences and perspectives of women of color, particularly Black women, and advocates for their empowerment and liberation
• Intersectional activism and organizing bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to challenge systemic oppression and work towards collective liberation (the Black Lives Matter movement addressing police brutality and racial injustice)

Building Resilience and Solidarity

• Empowerment for individuals facing intersectional discrimination involves building resilience, self-love, and pride in one's identity, as well as connecting with others who share similar experiences
• Creating safe spaces and support networks for individuals with shared identities can provide a sense of community, validation, and resources for resistance and healing (affinity groups or mentorship programs for women of color in professional settings)
• Solidarity across marginalized groups is crucial for effective resistance, as it allows for the sharing of knowledge, resources, and strategies to dismantle oppressive systems and create change (coalition-building between racial justice and LGBTQ+ rights movements)