Intersectional oppression is an essential concept that has been gaining prominence in recent years. It refers to the way in which people from different marginalized groups experience multiple forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and classism. This can result in various challenges in their daily lives, including access to healthcare, education, employment, housing, and legal rights.
Despite these obstacles, many individuals from marginalized backgrounds have demonstrated remarkable resilience, defined as their ability to cope with adversity and overcome difficulties. But does this traditional understanding of resilience adequately capture the complexity of intersectional oppression? In this essay, I will examine how intersectionality transforms the moral meaning of resilience and its implications for social justice activism.
Intersectional oppression involves multiple forms of discrimination, each of which can exacerbate existing prejudices and create new ones.
Black women are disproportionately affected by poverty, violence, and mental illness, but they also face additional discrimination due to their race and gender identities. As a result, their experiences of adversity are unique compared to those of white men or white women. Similarly, queer individuals may struggle with issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, while disabled persons face physical and cognitive barriers. These intersecting forms of oppression can make it difficult for people to find support networks or seek help when needed, leading to increased isolation and vulnerability.
The traditional understanding of resilience falls short in addressing the complexities of intersectional oppression. It focuses on individual strength and resourcefulness, rather than systemic change and collective action. Resilient individuals are typically portrayed as heroes who triumph over adversity through sheer determination and hard work, without acknowledging the broader structures that contribute to their struggles. This view fails to recognize the importance of collective solidarity, political engagement, and structural change in creating a more equitable society. Instead, it encourages a deficit model that places the responsibility for success solely on the shoulders of marginalized communities.
Some scholars have argued that intersectionality challenges this narrow definition of resilience by highlighting the interconnected nature of social inequality. They propose that resilience must be understood within a broader context of social justice activism and collective resistance, rather than focusing exclusively on individual achievement. Intersectionality emphasizes the need for solidarity among different groups fighting against various forms of oppression, such as feminists, anti-racist activists, LGBTQ+ rights advocates, and disability rights campaigners. By recognizing these connections, we can build coalitions that challenge power imbalances and create meaningful change.
Queer Black women might collaborate with other groups affected by both racism and sexism, while disabled people could form alliances with migrants who face similar barriers due to ableism. These strategies aim to transform institutions and policies to promote equity and inclusion.
Intersectional oppression has transformed our understanding of resilience by highlighting its complexity and emphasizing the role of collective action. It calls for a reevaluation of traditional definitions of resilience, which focus too much on individual strength and resourcefulness and neglect systemic change. Resilient individuals should be seen not only as heroes but also as agents of social transformation who work towards building inclusive societies free from discrimination.
How does intersectional oppression transform the moral meaning of resilience?
Intersectionality refers to the complex and multifaceted nature of social identities that individuals hold simultaneously, including their race, gender, class, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, disability status, religion, and other characteristics. Intersectional oppression occurs when these various social identities intersect and interact with each other to create unique experiences of discrimination, marginalization, and oppression.