Blog #8

1. Familiarize yourself with your topic

From Wikipedia:

Intersectionality is a sociological theory suggesting that—and seeking to examine how—various socially and culturally constructed categories of discrimination interact on multiple and often simultaneous levels, contributing to systematic social inequality. Intersectionality holds that the classical models of oppression within society, such as those based on race/ethnicity, gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, class, or disability do not act independently of one another; instead, these forms of oppression interrelate creating a system of oppression that reflects the "intersection" of multiple forms of discrimination.

From Intersektionalitet:

The concept of intersectionality point to the importance of having a multidimensional analysis of power structures. That is to take into account all the dimensions of power. To Civis that means to take into consideration all the social categories that power and oppression rest upon. Among others, these categories are: gender, class, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation etc.

From African-American Policy Forum:

Intersectionality is a concept that enables us to recognize the fact that perceived group membership can make people vulnerable to various forms of bias, yet because we are simultaneously members of many groups, our complex identities can shape the specific way we each experience that bias. For example, men and women can often experience racism differently, just as women of different races can experience sexism differently, and so on. As a result, an intersectional approach goes beyond conventional analysis in order to focus our attention on injuries that we otherwise might not recognize.

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Intersectionality is a feminist theory pertaining to a matrix of oppression. Each and every indivual is affected by varying forms, levels and degrees of oppression that come with their identity. Different forms of oppression do not necessarily stand alone from each other. Rather, they interact with each other on different levels. Sex, gender, ability, race, class, wealth and weight are all examples of the categories with which we identify ourselves. And our identity can define our advantages and disadvantages in society. Many feminists appear to ignore that.

2. Identify a research question

Why is intersectionality is crucial to the success of the feminist movement and why is it so often ignored?

Why is Intersectionality so important?
Why is it being ignored and forgotten?
How does this affect Feminism as a whole?
What will happen if we do not address the inclusion of Intersectionality?

3. Decide what you need to know to answer your research question

What is intersectionality?
What are its origins?
Demographic of those who adhere to this theory and why
Demographic of those who do not adhere to this theory and why

4. Formulate a research plan that includes:

Purpose: To understand intersectional feminism and why some people don't include it into their feminist ideologies.

Detailed Thesis Statement:

Necessary Information:

List of Preliminary Sources:

Method of Information Gathering: