Intersectionality is a concept that considers how multiple identities interact and overlap within individuals. It was developed by feminist scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in the 1980s to explain how Black women were experiencing discrimination based on their race and gender, which was different from the way it affected white women or men. Intersectionality argues that people cannot be understood as simply one identity category but rather must consider how these intersecting identities create unique experiences. This complicates adherence to social norms because it requires understanding how these intersecting identities shape our behaviors and attitudes toward them.
Imagine a person who identifies as both gay and Latino. The societal expectation might be for this person to date exclusively other gay males, but intersectionality recognizes that there are many factors at play. They may feel more comfortable dating someone who shares a similar cultural background, leading to nonadherence to the expectation. They may also have been raised in a conservative environment where they learned that expressing same-sex sexuality is taboo, making them hesitant to follow social expectations.
Their relationship with family members could affect their decision-making process regarding romantic partners. All of these factors influence their choices and actions, which can lead to nonadherence to social norms.
Intersectionality also complicates traditional notions of gender roles. A woman who identifies as queer might face pressure to conform to certain masculine or feminine standards depending on her situation.
She may be expected to act traditionally masculine if she is working in a male-dominated field, but if she dates another woman, she may feel pressured to take on a more feminine role within the relationship. These conflicting messages make it difficult to know what is considered "normal" behavior or dress, leading to potential nonadherence to social norms.
Intersectionality considers the ways different identities interact with each other. If an individual is transgender and disabled, they may experience discrimination from both communities due to the way society perceives their bodies. This could cause them to resist adherence to either community's expectations to avoid being shamed by both groups. Alternatively, they may find support and acceptance in one group that allows them to disregard expectations from the other.
Intersectionality recognizes that people are complex individuals with multiple identities that interact and overlap to create unique experiences. It challenges the idea that individuals can be reduced to one identity category and shows how social norms can fail to account for this complexity. By understanding this concept, we can better understand why some individuals choose to non-adhere to societal expectations and appreciate the nuances of human experience.
How does intersectionality complicate adherence to social norms?
Intersectionality is a concept that describes how multiple identities can overlap and intersect with each other to create unique experiences of discrimination and oppression. It recognizes that individuals may experience different forms of marginalization based on their gender identity, race, class, sexuality, religion, ability status, and other factors.