...Madeline Steffey Intersectionality with Kimberle Crenshaw and Gloria Anzaldua Intersectionality can be described as the study of the intersection of different forms of discrimination experienced by individuals who are members of multiple minority groups. For example, a Hispanic woman faces barriers in society not only because she is Hispanic, but also because she is a woman and one could not fully understand her oppression without taking both of these aspects into consideration. Kimberly Crenshaw and Gloria Anzaldua both provide accounts of intersectionality and utilize different approaches in their explanations. I will begin by analyzing their approaches separately, then I will explain how Crenshaw might object to Anzaldua’s account because it does not contain adequate factual evidence or realistic solutions. As a response from Anzaldua to Crenshaw’s objections, I will assert that Anzaldua effectively used personal and cultural experiences to reflect on intersectionality. Throughout her life, Anzaldua felt like she lived within borders. That in order to live and survive, she had to cross borders continuously. This is because multiple aspects of her life typically result in societal discrimination. She is unique in that she is a minority in several ways such as being a mix of Mexican and Anglo-Saxon, as well as being a lesbian. These aspects overlap and intertwine, which results in intersectionality. When crossing borders, one has to adapt to the different norms that are...
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...Intersectionality was a concept introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw an American civil rights advocate, professor and leading scholar of Critical Race Theory. The concept of “intersectionality” came from a metaphor coined by Crenshaw to explain how race oppression and gender oppression operate in the lives of black women. Crenshaw’s concept of intersectionality is the theory of how different types of discrimination interact. “The theory seeks to examine how social and cultural categories such as gender, race, class, sexual orientation, religion, and other axioms of identity interact on multiple levels.” In her widely read essay, Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color, Crenshaw highlights...
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...Intersectionality 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 isolated scenarios. However, as the need to foster gender equality took pace, such oppressive actions are now perceived as elements of a wider system of dominance in the society that that needs to be addressed as a whole rather than in singularity (Crenshaw et al., 2013). Intersectionality is a concept that was developed by Kimberlé Crenshaw to describe the interconnections between oppressive institutions such as sexism and racism and their interaction in propagating discrimination and oppression in the society (Crenshaw et al., 2013). The concept of Intersectionality therefore, argues that, the oppressive institutions in the society cannot be handled separate from each other but rather should be addressed as a system that collectively form a system of oppression in the society. Gender inequality entails unequal treatment of individuals on the basis of their gender (Crenshaw et al., 2013). This form of discrimination has roots in social constructions and cultural norms and values which...
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...“Queer Aztlan” by Cherrie Moraga and “Mapping the Margins” by Kimberle Crenshaw, reveal not only how multiple categories of identity impact women of color, but also the ways in which social movements fail to acknowledge and understand their experiences. By illuminating the establishment of Queer Aztlan in the Chicano queer community and the exclusion of violence against women of color in anti-racist and feminist discourse, Moraga and Crenshaw distinctly address the marginalization of women of color. Of course, Moraga specifically points out how Chicano Nationalism and the Gay and Lesbian Movement pose limitations to most gay and lesbian Chicanos. Moraga moves the process of Queer Aztlan forward in order to form a space that encompasses an inclusive...
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...They pointed out that the situation of women is determined by their perception of gender, but it is also significantly affected by other characteristics, identity and belonging. In 1977, a manifesto of the Boston group, Combahee River Collective, was published. “A Black Feminist Statement.” Black feminists pointed out that gender-based exclusion, race and class are inextricably linked. They wrote that experienced white women from the upper class, well-off, heterosexual, non-disabled, educated are distant from the experiences of colored women, struggling not only with sexism, but also with racial discrimination and classism. The rhetoric of the Women's Liberation Movement in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s was organized around the similarity of all women's interests, which in the long term meant marginalizing the prospects and interests of this Black women movement, whose specificity was...
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...Background/History: Women of color have always been in a subordinate position in society; due to the patterns of hierarchy, domination, and oppression based on race and gender. This inequality is built into the structure of our society. Inequality, in other words is structural or socially patterned. In the past inequality often was justified through biology, it was argued that biological traits such as race and gender were relevant. But, this was only relevant because these traits are socially ranked and rewarded based on ones rank. From the mid-1960s to the early 1970s, black women were in a difficult position. Between the civil rights and feminist movements, where did they fit in? They had been the backbone of the civil rights movement, but their contributions were minimized. When black women assembled to the feminist movement, white women discriminated against them and gave little attention to the class issues that seriously affected black women, who also tended to be poor. Black women are plagued with this type of double-jeopardy problem they can not win on either side Review of literature:...
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...between sexes” (Millett, 1970: 74). While it is defined as “politics directed at changing existing power relations between women and men in a society” by Weedon, (1987).Hooks (2000) explains feminism as “a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression”. Feminism is diverse collections of social theories through which many focus on analyzing the social constructions of gender while other focus on gender inequality and promoting women’s rights. By describing major forms of feminism, Tuttle, Lisa (1986) says, radical feminism considers patriarchy as a root cause of women oppressions so believes on radical social changes while liberal feminism asserts the equality of men and women through legal and political reforms. Socialist feminism supports Marx’s ideas &relates the oppression of women to labor exploitation and class structure. While essential and cultural feminism believe that females value because of their special differences & inherent ability to care. Many other forms of feminism based on different ideology presented by several researchers are as post-modern feminists accept the gender differences as a leading agent in society but criticize the ideas of society’s structure & power dynamics presented by feminist. (Olson, 1996: 19).While post structuralism is defined as a method for feminists to analyze the relationship between language and society...
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...The Making of Gendered Violence Caitlin Murray January 29th, 2016 For an act that is considered “taboo” to talk about, violence against women is one of the most prolific violent acts in the world. Because it is so common that a woman will experience violence against them at one point in their lives, the act often goes overlooked by either society or the victim themselves. Media has taught us that violence against women occurs, but because of the way it is portrayed, we often don’t see the real brutality of the act, which can desensitize us. Intersectionality has helped woman strengthen their fight against assaults, but has also ignored the differences between assaults that occur between races. There unfortunately is a difference between the assault of a white woman and the assault of a black woman. This paper will discuss these topics and look at why each of them occurs. The rape or domestic abuse of women has now become a familiar scene in movies and television. But are we actually seeing the assault? Most often we are not. The assault is almost always implied, by showing the woman or girl crying afterwards, in a broken state telling her friends and family what happened. We can even see the victim immediately after the assault occurred. However it is extremely rare for media to film an assault scene (Easteal, 2015). This is because the assault scene is usually "too graphic” and viewers do not want to have to witness such a gruesome act. This not only creates a taboo nature...
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...In today’s society there is such a visible imbalance between different gender, cultures, and races. There has been so much more gathering of knowledge by the millennials of today and by those who simply want better for themselves and their community. In the article, “Intersectionality” by Christine Emba, the author studies Intersectionality as a feminist term. Intersectionality is at a high demand right now all across the map. To get a better understanding, “The term “intersectionality” was used to describe how different forms of discrimination can interact and overlap, and why it was necessary for feminists to take into account the needs of women from a variety of backgrounds when considering social questions and issues to advocate for” (“Intersectionality,”...
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...The word was first used by Kimberlé Crenshaw (1989) to describe the marginalization of black women during consideration of separate civil rights and women’s rights movements. The marginalization of individuals belonging to more than one stigmatized group is an important factor to consider when conducting research into discrimination and prejudice, and a focus on the experience of black women specifically is a valuable perspective (Aiken, Salmon, & Hanges, 2013; Rosenthal, 2016). In hindsight, it is clear that rights movements in the United States evolved alongside each other (Aiken et al., 2013). One of the earliest examples of this would be the fact that early calls for women’s suffrage were inspired by the abolitionist movement gaining ground in the late 1800’s (Aiken et al...
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...Alex Cecola Professor Carrick Writing 140 64595 Assignment #1 January 30, 2012 Bigger Than Life…Try Big Freedia Scientifically, humans have been defined as having opposable thumbs, higher thinking, having dominion over earth, etc. But what defines one human before another? What makes one human more interesting and marketable compared to the next? A human being can be “intersectionally” classified by race and class just based off gender. Race and class are not only verifications justified on a driver’s license and country club application background checks, but actually form and shape gender roles even in today’s so called “equal rights” society. One of the most intriguing characters making headlines lately is a, by sex, a male and yet is referred to as a “her” (Jonathan). Big Freedia comes from the musically established city of New Orleans where new genres of music seem to get pumped out by the decade. Big Freedia has taken full advantage of her city and the new music. Her genre of music can be labeled under “Sissy Bounce” subgenre. This type of music is an energetic upbeat twist off from the standard hip-hop music. This genre known as bounce was not started by Big Freedia, and she admits it and says she is just the next artist hoping to put bounce music on the map. (Jonathan) Upfront, Big Freedia is a taller rather larger man, standing at six feet and two inches tall. She dresses very fashionably yet portrays a more masculine look compared to a feminine one. Her...
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...As I approached the end of my master's program, I found my attention shifting toward a career in law, influenced by my deep passion for exploring social issues dealing with, intersectionality- defined by Kimberle Crenshaw as various identities (race, class, gender, sexuality) facing complex challenges that occur when these identities overlap. I aspire to address the legal inequalities within communities that experience intersectionality. My scholarly and professional experiences have allowed me to further engage with these issues and has driven me to advocate for positive change within intersectional communities. Completing the Bachelor of Arts in English program at Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University molded my analytical, reasoning,...
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...This conceptualization is developed through gender role socialization, interpersonal interactions, the media, and personal experiences (Settles et al. 2008, pg. 454). And in a patriarchal society, hegemonic representations consider women as “weaker and more vulnerable” sex (Settles et al. 2008 pg. 460); subjecting them to a gender-based experience consisting of sexism, discrimination, sexual harassments, and rape (Settles et al. 2008, pg., 455). However, while women may face oppression in a patriarchal society, women who are racialized are subjected to additional marginalization/discrimination. In other words, when an individual’s race and gender are both devalued, they are subjected to what is called “double jeopardy” (Settles 2008, pg. 455). Thus, it is imperative to utilize intersectional approach, originally developed by professor Kimberle Crenshaw to address the oppression of Black women, when addressing the issues women face. Similarly, Settles et al. (2008), describes this process of “double jeopardy” as “a combination of social positions which can exude different experiences from people with other combinations of different social groups (also known as “ethgender”) (pg. 454). So...
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...Jerosemin B. Gamboa ZSC 111 - 2ET Assignment: Give some proponents of sociology and their important contributions. Era/ Years | Proponent | Contribution | 1798 - 1857 | Comte, Auguste | August Comte is known as the founder of positivism and is credited with coininging the term sociology. Comte helped shape and expand the field of sociology and placed a great deal of emphasis in his work on systematic observation and social order. | 1818 – 1883 | Marx, Karl | Karl Marx is one of the most famous figures in the founding of sociology. He is known for his theory of historical materialism, which focuses on the way social order, like class structure and hierarchy, emerges out of the economic system of a society. He theorized this relationship as a dialectic between thebase and superstructure of society. Some of his notable works, like "The Manifesto of the Communist Party," were co-written with Friedrich Engels. Much of his theory is contained in the series of volumes titledCapital. Marx has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history, and in a 1999 BBC poll was voted the "thinker of the millennium" by people from around the world. | 1858 - 1917 | Durkheim, Émile | Social Fact, AnomieEmile Durkheim is knows as the "father of sociology" and is a founding figure in the field of sociology. He is credited with making sociology a science. One of his most famous pieces of work includes Suicide: A Study In Sociology, and another important work of...
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...voices of Black and Latina scholars, we will engage with the uses of anger in fighting against injustice. Furthermore, Saidiya Hartman’s Lose Your Mother, as a combination of personal narrative and research, provides a smooth transition into the political implications of the recent ontological turn to affect in feminist and queer theory. The conversation on affect also seemed crucial for this course in terms of navigating the relevance of political depression in present times. In light of the discussion on the justice system that I anticipate the class to have during this week, I felt that an introductory course on Women and Gender Studies would not be complete without having a conversation on intersectionality. Therefore, during our seventh week we will be strictly focusing on Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality. Aside from reading Crenshaw, we will also engage with Jennifer C. Nash’s “Institutionalizing the Margins” and Brittney Cooper’s “Intersectionality.” We will not only study the context and the origins of the theory of intersectionality but will also delve into some of the critiques that have been made about intersectionality. In this sense, Cooper’s text is incredibly valuable in that it provides an overview of the debates...
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