An individual’s identity consists of various components or identity markers, such as race, class, sexuality, and more. All of these components play a critical role in how a woman is affected by sexism and gender-based discrimination, and this is summarized by the concept of intersectionality. For instance, race is a significant factor that cannot be excluded from the discussion of women’s lives and the oppression that they face. Through an insightful discussion of multiple identities, relations of power and privilege, and intersections of oppression, Hunter College Women’s and Gender Studies Collective and Simalchik (2016) argue that intersectionality provides us with a more accurate lens through which we must view gender.
A person has multiple …show more content…
The authors mention Kimberle Crenshaw’s work on domestic violence and her views on the intersecting patterns of racism and sexism. Women of colour have been marginalized within both feminism and anti-racism movements, as the intersections between racism and sexism are often ignored (Hunter College & Simalchik, 2016, p. 61). An example of intersectional oppression is that for a long period of time, working-class black women were treated as mules in the work force while wealthy white women were viewed as fragile creatures who needed to be protected by men. Both black women and white women experienced sexism but in different ways, depending on their race (Hunter College & Simalchik, 2016, p. 62). The authors present an even bolder example of intersections of oppression through Angela Davis’ work. Davis wrote about the way enslaved women were viewed when looking back at the history of slavery; they were seen as traitors for having babies with their white masters. People who held these views ultimately failed to recognize the role of rape and sexual violence experienced by enslaved black women. These women were not only enslaved due to their race but also lost the rights to their own bodies due to their gender (Hunter College & Simalchik, 2016, p.
A person has multiple …show more content…
The authors mention Kimberle Crenshaw’s work on domestic violence and her views on the intersecting patterns of racism and sexism. Women of colour have been marginalized within both feminism and anti-racism movements, as the intersections between racism and sexism are often ignored (Hunter College & Simalchik, 2016, p. 61). An example of intersectional oppression is that for a long period of time, working-class black women were treated as mules in the work force while wealthy white women were viewed as fragile creatures who needed to be protected by men. Both black women and white women experienced sexism but in different ways, depending on their race (Hunter College & Simalchik, 2016, p. 62). The authors present an even bolder example of intersections of oppression through Angela Davis’ work. Davis wrote about the way enslaved women were viewed when looking back at the history of slavery; they were seen as traitors for having babies with their white masters. People who held these views ultimately failed to recognize the role of rape and sexual violence experienced by enslaved black women. These women were not only enslaved due to their race but also lost the rights to their own bodies due to their gender (Hunter College & Simalchik, 2016, p.