SHEHATA: Intersectionality, explained
Intersectionality explains how systems of power perpetuate oppression and privilege based on multiple social identities (e.g., ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, ability, religion). Kimberlé Crenshaw, an American critical legal race scholar, coined the term in 1989 to capture the unique challenges faced by Black women, who often experience discrimination at the intersection of race and gender.
While Crenshaw's formalization of intersectionality brought it to public attention, the concept itself has roots in Black feminist activism, which has long emphasized that social justice must recognize overlapping forms of discrimination to achieve true equity.
Intersectionality is essential for accurately understanding and addressing the complexity of social inequality. The U.S. is increasingly becoming more diverse, making it necessary to apply an intersectional lens for social movements and policy changes instead of a one-size-fits-all approach to solving social inequality.
If social movements and policymakers continue to focus on single issues, they risk leaving out those who exist at the intersections of multiple identities.
Focusing on only one identity fails to encompass the experiences of those with multiple marginalized identities. For instance, a policy designed to support women might overlook the needs of women of color or LGBTQ+ women if intersectionality is not considered. The immense lack of intersectional thinking causes the continued oppression of minority groups in an attempt to lessen inequality.
Women are often gaslit by their doctors about their health issues. Based on data from 2017 to 2019, 84 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. were deemed preventable. To understand these statistics further, the demographics of these women need to be further looked into.
Compared to white women, Black women are 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues. Implicit bias, structural racism, underlying chronic conditions and differences in healthcare quality cause the alarming disparity.
Serena Williams lost feelings in her legs after birth and insisted on getting tests despite her doctors not being concerned. Williams, scared that she was dying, persisted. When her doctors finally agreed, it was revealed that she needed surgery immediately.
This is a disturbing example of how even a wealthy, well-known Black woman is not immune to racial bias in healthcare. Intersectionality helps us recognize that addressing maternal mortality means addressing these racial and gender-based disparities.
Intersectionality promotes engagement with the concept of privilege. Understanding where you stand socially makes you aware of how you benefit from how society is structured. Recognizing the privilege you gain from belonging to a certain social group empowers you to advocate for marginalized communities.
Most celebrities belong in the center of the privilege wheel, making them highly influential and vital for social movements.
For instance, take the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian territories has cost numerous lives for decades. Many Americans were ignorant of the topic, but with more celebrities calling for a ceasefire, underrepresented issues were brought to light by their privileged voices acting as a catalyst for change.
There is a lot of controversy around the word intersectionality. Many have referred to it as "the new caste system" that places non-white, non-heterosexual people on top. Crenshaw's work intends to eliminate hierarchies, but the word is sometimes misinterpreted.
The line between left and right becomes more emphasized when tweets like "the future is female (and) intersectional," contrast with videos like "Is intersectionality the biggest problem in America?" Crenshaw is not surprised by the responses and believes it is expected "when an idea travels beyond the context and the content."
Intersectionality fosters solidarity by acknowledging and addressing the different struggles within communities. It does not create divisions but instead highlights existing ones to encourage effective solutions.
Intersectionality allows us to see social inequality from multiple angles and ensures that our approach to social justice is a response to the diverse realities of people's lives. By embracing intersectionality, we are better positioned to dismantle oppressive systems and create a society that works for everyone.
Embrace this framework and advocate for a world where no one is neglected due to their social standing.
Somiah Shehata is a first-year in the School of Arts and Sciences majoring in journalism and media studies. Her column, “Anything and Everything,” runs on alternate Wednesdays.
*Columns, cartoons, letters and commentaries do not necessarily reflect the views of the Targum Publishing Company or its staff.
YOUR VOICE | The Daily Targum welcomes submissions from all readers. Letters to the editor must be between 350 and 600 words. Commentaries must be between 600 and 900 words. All authors must include their name, phone number, class year and college affiliation or department to be considered for publication. Please submit via email to oped@dailytargum.com and eic@dailytargum.com to be considered for publication.
