What is intersectionality?
Intersectionality is a theoretical framework for understanding how various forms of inequality interact with one another to create unique experiences of oppression. It was developed by Kimberlé Crenshaw in the early 1980s as a way to explain how racism, sexism, and classism often overlap and combine to produce distinct forms of oppression for Black women. Since then, it has been expanded to include other social identities such as age, disability, religion, gender identity, national origin, etc., that may intersect with each other to shape an individual's experience.
How does intersectionality affect vulnerability to harassment, discrimination, and adverse psychological outcomes?
According to intercultural communication scholar Diana Diaz-Barriga, people who identify with multiple marginalized social identities are more likely to be targets of harassment, discrimination, and negative stereotypes because their intersectional status makes them "invisible" or "incomprehensible" to dominant groups.
Latina women face discrimination based on both their race and gender, while queer transgender individuals may face discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and race. This can lead to increased anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation.
Case study: The case of Alicia Garza
Alicia Garza is a Black queer woman activist who co-founded Black Lives Matter after the murder of Trayvon Martin. She experienced online trolling, doxxing, and death threats due to her advocacy work. Her intersectional identity made her particularly vulnerable to harassment since she was targeted not only for being Black but also for being queer. She has spoken about how this affected her mental health, causing symptoms of PTSD and anxiety.
Strategies for reducing harmful effects
There are several strategies for reducing the harmful effects of intersectional oppression. One approach is to create safe spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can come together and support each other. Another approach is to challenge dominant narratives that portray certain groups as inferior or dangerous.
It's essential to recognize the power dynamics at play and work towards changing systems that perpetuate inequality.
Intersectionality is an important framework for understanding how social identities intersect to shape experiences of oppression. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, we can work towards creating more equitable societies.
How do intersecting social identities influence vulnerability to harassment, discrimination, and adverse psychological outcomes?
Intersecting social identities refer to multiple social categories that an individual belongs to such as race/ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. Research indicates that individuals who belong to more than one marginalized group are more likely to experience various forms of discrimination including harassment, victimization, and adverse psychological consequences.