10.1 Theoretical foundations of intersectionality

Intersectionality examines how different forms of discrimination overlap, creating unique experiences for people with multiple marginalized identities. Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term in 1989, highlighting how single-axis thinking fails to capture the complexity of lived experiences and marginalization.

The matrix of domination, developed by Patricia Hill Collins, describes interconnected systems of oppression that shape social positions. These interlocking systems reinforce each other, creating a complex web of disadvantage and privilege that operates on multiple levels of society.

Origins and Key Theorists

Intersectionality and Kimberlé Crenshaw's Contributions

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• Intersectionality describes how different forms of discrimination and oppression intersect and compound each other, creating unique experiences for individuals with multiple marginalized identities
• Kimberlé Crenshaw, a legal scholar and civil rights advocate, coined the term "intersectionality" in 1989 to address the marginalization of Black women within antidiscrimination law, feminist theory, and antiracist politics
• Crenshaw argued that the experiences of Black women cannot be understood solely through the lens of race or gender separately, but must be considered as the intersection of both identities
• Intersectionality highlights how single-axis thinking (focusing on only one aspect of identity, such as race or gender) fails to capture the complexity of lived experiences and marginalization

Matrix of Domination and Interlocking Systems of Oppression

• The matrix of domination, a concept developed by sociologist Patricia Hill Collins, refers to the interconnected systems of oppression (such as racism, sexism, classism, and heterosexism) that shape individuals' experiences and social positions
• These systems of oppression are interlocking, meaning they reinforce and sustain each other, creating a complex web of disadvantage and privilege
• The matrix of domination operates on multiple levels, including personal, interpersonal, cultural, and institutional, affecting individuals' lived experiences, relationships, and access to resources and opportunities
• Recognizing the matrix of domination helps to understand how power and privilege are distributed and maintained within society, perpetuating inequalities and shaping the experiences of marginalized groups

Conceptual Frameworks

Multiple Jeopardy and Compounding Marginalization

• Multiple jeopardy, also known as multiple marginalization or multiple oppressions, describes the experience of facing discrimination and disadvantage based on multiple aspects of one's identity simultaneously
• Individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups (e.g., a queer woman of color) may face compounded forms of oppression that cannot be fully understood or addressed by focusing on a single aspect of their identity
• Multiple jeopardy can lead to increased vulnerability, as the effects of discrimination and marginalization in one area (such as race) can exacerbate the challenges faced in another area (such as gender or sexual orientation)
• Addressing multiple jeopardy requires an intersectional approach that considers the complex interplay of various systems of oppression and how they shape individuals' experiences and opportunities

Social Location and Positionality

• Social location refers to an individual's position within the matrix of domination, determined by the intersection of their various social identities (such as race, gender, class, sexuality, and ability)
• One's social location influences their experiences, perspectives, and access to power and resources within society
• Positionality acknowledges that an individual's social location shapes their worldview, biases, and understanding of social issues, and emphasizes the importance of reflexivity and self-awareness in examining one's own privilege and marginalization
• Recognizing social location and positionality is crucial for understanding how individuals navigate and are affected by interlocking systems of oppression, and for developing inclusive and equitable approaches to social justice

Connections to Identity

Identity Politics and Intersectional Solidarity

• Identity politics refers to the tendency for people to form political alliances and engage in activism based on shared experiences of oppression or marginalization related to their social identities
• While identity politics can be a powerful tool for mobilizing communities and advocating for change, it has also been criticized for potentially reinforcing essentialist notions of identity and creating divisions among marginalized groups
• Intersectionality offers a framework for understanding identity politics that acknowledges the complexity and multiplicity of individuals' experiences and the need for solidarity across different marginalized communities
• Intersectional solidarity involves recognizing the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression and working towards social justice in a way that is inclusive and attentive to the diverse needs and experiences of marginalized groups
• Building intersectional solidarity requires challenging single-axis thinking, acknowledging the heterogeneity within identity groups, and fostering coalitions and alliances that address multiple forms of oppression simultaneously (such as the Black Lives Matter movement, which has incorporated intersectional perspectives on race, gender, and sexuality)