Etymology of Intersectionality
The term “intersectionality” was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, a legal scholar and critical race theorist, in the late 1980s. It emerged from her work on the experiences of African American women within the legal system.
Intersectionality denotes the interconnectedness of multiple dimensions of identity, such as race, gender, class, and sexuality, and how they intersect to create unique and overlapping systems of privilege and oppression.
This concept highlights the limitations of analyzing social issues by considering only one aspect of identity and underscores the need for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complexities of discrimination and inequality. Intersectionality has since become a pivotal concept in various fields, including sociology, gender studies, and critical theory, informing discussions on social justice and identity politics.
Meanings of Intersectionality
| Aspect | Meanings |
| 1. Multi-dimensional Identities | In literature and literary theory, intersectionality refers to the recognition of characters or authors with complex, multi-dimensional identities that encompass various aspects such as race, gender, class, sexuality, disability, and more. |
| 2. Analyzing Intersecting Systems of Oppression | It involves examining how multiple forms of oppression or privilege intersect and interact within the narratives and themes of literary works. |
| 3. Complex Character Development | Intersectionality can lead to more nuanced and realistic character development in literature, as characters are portrayed with diverse identities that shape their experiences and interactions. |
| 4. Deconstructing Stereotypes | It allows for the deconstruction of stereotypes and the exploration of how characters challenge or conform to societal expectations based on their intersecting identities. |
| 5. Examining Power Dynamics | Intersectionality in literature helps in analyzing power dynamics and social hierarchies, shedding light on how characters navigate and resist these systems. |
| 6. Informed Literary Criticism | Scholars and critics use intersectionality as a framework for literary analysis, providing deeper insights into the complexities of characters and narratives. |
| 7. Addressing Underrepresented Voices | Literature that embraces intersectionality often amplifies the voices and experiences of marginalized or underrepresented groups, promoting diversity and inclusivity in storytelling. |
| 8. Identity and Social Context | Intersectionality emphasizes the importance of considering characters’ identities within their social and historical contexts, recognizing that these factors profoundly influence their experiences and motivations. |
Definition of Intersectionality as a Theoretical Term
Intersectionality, as a theoretical term, refers to the analytical framework and concept that acknowledges how various social identities (such as race, gender, class, sexuality, and others) intersect and interact, influencing an individual’s experiences and social position.
It emphasizes that individuals are not solely defined by one aspect of their identity but rather shaped by the interplay of multiple dimensions, leading to unique and complex lived experiences. Intersectionality serves as a tool for examining how systems of oppression and privilege operate in a multidimensional manner, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of social inequalities and discrimination.
Intersectionality: Theorists, Works, and Arguments
Theorists:
- Kimberlé Crenshaw: Coined the term “intersectionality” and pioneered its development in the late 1980s.
- Patricia Hill Collins: Expanded intersectional theory, particularly in relation to black feminism.
- Audre Lorde: Addressed intersectionality in her writings, emphasizing the need to recognize and celebrate differences among women.
- bell hooks: Examined intersectionality within the context of race, class, and gender, critiquing how intersecting systems of oppression affect marginalized groups.
Notable Works:
- Kimberlé Crenshaw’s Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics (1989): A foundational essay that introduced the concept of intersectionality and its application in legal contexts.
- Patricia Hill Collins’s Black Feminist Thought (1990): Explores the intersection of race, gender, and class in the experiences of Black women.
- Audre Lorde’s Sister Outsider (1984): Contains essays and speeches that discuss the importance of acknowledging differences among women and the need for solidarity.
- bell hooks’s Ain’t I a Woman? (1981): Examines the intersectionality of race and gender, critiquing the exclusion of Black women from feminist and civil rights movements.
Key Arguments:
- Intersectionality posits that individuals possess multiple, intersecting social identities that shape their experiences.
- It critiques the limitations of single-axis analyses, which focus on one dimension of identity and often overlook the complexities of lived experiences.
- Intersectionality emphasizes that systems of oppression and privilege are interconnected, affecting marginalized individuals differently based on their unique combinations of identities.
- It highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the specific needs and struggles of individuals who occupy multiple marginalized identities.
Uses:
- In Social Justice Advocacy: Intersectionality is used to advocate for the rights and needs of marginalized groups by highlighting the compounding effects of discrimination.
- In Academic Research: Scholars employ intersectionality to conduct in-depth analyses of various forms of inequality and discrimination, examining how they intersect and impact individuals and communities.
- In Policy Development: Policymakers utilize intersectional frameworks to create more inclusive and equitable policies that consider the diverse experiences of marginalized populations.
- In Activism: Activists apply intersectional thinking to build coalitions and alliances that acknowledge the interconnected struggles faced by marginalized communities.
- In Education: Intersectionality is integrated into curricula and discussions to foster a deeper understanding of social inequalities and promote inclusivity in educational settings.
Intersectionality has become a crucial concept for addressing and understanding the complexities of identity and inequality in contemporary society, influencing various fields and social movements.
Intersectionality and Literary Theories
| Theory | Relevance |
| Feminist Literary Theory | Intersectionality is crucial in recognizing and analyzing the diverse experiences of women based on multiple identities. |
| Critical Race Theory | Intersectionality is central in understanding how racial identities intersect with other forms of identity and oppression. |
| Queer Theory | Intersectionality recognizes the complexity of LGBTQ+ experiences when combined with other aspects of identity. |
| Postcolonial Literary Theory | Intersectionality addresses the intricate dynamics of colonialism, race, class, and gender in literature. |
| Disability Studies | Intersectionality acknowledges that disability is one dimension of identity and explores its interaction with other factors. |
| Marxist Literary Theory | Intersectionality enriches the analysis of class struggle by considering how economic structures intersect with other identities. |
Intersectionality in Literary Criticism
- Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987):
- Intersectional Critique: Scholars often apply intersectionality to examine the experiences of Black women in the context of slavery and motherhood in Beloved. They explore how race, gender, and maternal identity intersect and shape the characters’ lives.
- Example: In an essay, a critic analyzes the intersectionality of Sethe’s identity as a Black woman, a former slave, and a mother, exploring how these intersecting identities influence her actions and the novel’s central themes of trauma and love.
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker (1982):
- Intersectional Critique: Critics use intersectionality to delve into the complex relationships among race, gender, and class in The Color Purple. They examine how characters like Celie navigate oppression based on their intersecting identities.
- Example: A literary analysis focuses on Celie’s journey from victimization to empowerment, exploring how her racial identity, gender, and socioeconomic status intersect and evolve throughout the narrative.
- The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz (2007):
- Intersectional Critique: It is applied to analyze the novel’s portrayal of Dominican American characters dealing with issues of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. Critics explore how these identities intersect in the diaspora experience.
- Example: A literary critic discusses how the protagonist, Oscar, embodies an intersectional identity as a Dominican American male struggling with body image issues, love, and cultural expectations, providing insights into the complexities of diasporic identity.
- Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2013):
- Intersectional Critique: Literary critics apply intersectionality to analyze the experiences of the novel’s protagonist, Ifemelu, as she navigates race, gender, and immigration in both Nigeria and the United States. They explore how these intersecting identities shape her sense of self.
- Example: In a critical analysis, one examines how Ifemelu’s identity as a Nigerian woman intersects with her experiences of racism in America and her observations about American culture, allowing for a nuanced exploration of identity and belonging.
These examples illustrate how it enhances literary criticism by enabling scholars to explore the multifaceted dimensions of characters’ identities and experiences in a more comprehensive and nuanced manner. It adds depth to the analysis of these literary works, shedding light on the intersections of race, gender, class, and other social factors within the narratives.
Suggested Readings
- Crenshaw, Kimberlé. Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color. Stanford Law Review, vol. 43, no. 6, 1991, pp. 1241-1299.
- Davis, Angela Y. Women, Race & Class. Vintage Books, 1981.
- hooks, bell. Ain’t I a Woman?: Black Women and Feminism. South End Press, 1981.
- Lorde, Audre. Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches. Crossing Press, 1984.
- McCall, Leslie. The Complexity of Intersectionality. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, vol. 30, no. 3, 2005, pp. 1771-1800.
- Nash, Jennifer C. Re-thinking Intersectionality. Feminist Review, vol. 89, no. 1, 2008, pp. 1-15.
- Smith, Dorothy E. The Conceptual Practices of Power: A Feminist Sociology of Knowledge. University of Toronto Press, 1990.
- Yuval-Davis, Nira. Intersectionality and Feminist Politics. European Journal of Women’s Studies, vol. 13, no. 3, 2006, pp. 193-209.