What Is Intersectional Feminism? Theory and History Explained

Feminism has evolved over the years to recognize the unique challenges faced by women of different races, classes, sexualities, and abilities. But, have you heard of intersectional feminism? It’s a term that’s been gaining traction in recent years, but what exactly does it mean? To truly address the complex and interconnected nature of oppression, it’s essential to understand the principles of intersectional feminism. Here is what you need to know.

What Is Intersectional Feminism?

Intersectional feminists challenge the notion that all women face oppression and gender inequality in the same manner. They acknowledge that women’s experiences of oppression are influenced by multiple factors and cannot be understood through a singular lens. Unlike other feminist perspectives, intersectional feminism rejects the idea of a universal experience of women’s oppression, which is often based on the experiences of Western, middle-class white women. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of considering the intersecting identities and social structures that shape individual experiences of discrimination and inequality.

What About Intersectionality?

Intersectionality, as defined by Collins & Bilge (2020), examines how overlapping power dynamics impact social relations in diverse societies and individual experiences in daily life. In feminist theory, intersectionality delves into how the complex and intersecting experiences of women contribute to gender inequality. For instance, a working-class woman may face oppression due to both her gender and socioeconomic status. Additional layers of oppression can arise if she belongs to an ethnic minority, has a disability, or identifies as homosexual. Each of these intersecting structures shapes an individual’s experiences, resulting in unique forms of inequality.

The History of Intersectional Feminism

Intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989, highlights the complex intersecting oppressions individuals face due to various factors. Crenshaw’s paper focused on the unique challenges black women encounter due to both race and gender inequalities. She illustrated this with an example of employment discrimination. Despite its existence since the 19th century, the concept gained traction later. Sojourner Truth’s 1851 speech highlighted differing oppressions faced by white and black women, while the Combahee River Collective in the 1970s recognized the double oppression of sexism and racism for black women. Patricia Hill Collins expanded on intersectionality, arguing that race, class, and gender form interconnected systems of oppression. This challenges the notion that only women are subordinate to men, emphasizing the unique struggles faced by women of color and those from lower social classes.

What Differs Intersectionality From Other Types of Feminism?

Intersectional feminism expands the feminist agenda by acknowledging the diversity among women, rather than treating them as a homogenous group. It critiques early feminist movements, often labeled as ‘white feminism,’ for prioritizing the experiences of white, middle-class women and neglecting intersecting factors such as race, class, and sexuality. For example, while first-wave feminists focused on women’s suffrage, they often ignored the voting rights struggles of working-class and minority women.

Second-wave feminism, epitomized by Betty Friedan’s “The Feminine Mystique,” also faced criticism for overlooking the economic disparities faced by women of color and working-class women. Liberal feminism is critiqued for its narrow focus on issues affecting white, Western women, while Marxist feminism, though intersectional in considering class oppression, initially overlooked other intersecting oppressions such as race and sexuality. Overall, intersectional feminism emphasizes the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression and advocates for a more inclusive feminist movement.

Why Does It Matter?

Intersectional feminism acknowledges the diverse experiences of women, considering factors such as ethnicity, religion, sexuality, social class, ability, and age. It emphasizes that women cannot be reduced to single categories and recognizes the complexity of their lives. This perspective highlights that understanding women’s oppression requires considering intersecting factors. Additionally, it reveals that social inequalities are less visible when factors like gender, race, and social class are analyzed separately. Intersectionality also recognizes that privilege and oppression intersect in complex ways, affecting individuals differently depending on context. Overall, intersectional feminism provides a deeper understanding of the complexity of individuals and society.

Do you consider yourself an intersectional feminist?

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