Thoughts Unveiled : The Importance of Intersectionality in a Discriminative Society

The Importance of Intersectionality in a Discriminative Society

Throughout history, societal structures and cultural norms have been shaped by various systems of discrimination and privilege. To understand the complex phenomenon of discrimination, we must explore how it impacts society. Privileges and oppression play essential roles in shaping societal frameworks, which, in turn, continue to further privileges and oppression.

Discrimination is the unjust treatment of individuals based on characteristics like race, gender, and class—things that people cannot control. If babies had the option of choosing how and where they are born, who wouldn’t opt for the better choice? But what constitutes the "better choice"? Who decides what is better and what is not? Let’s not go into that rabbit hole. Instead, I want to share my thoughts on discrimination and what policymakers should consider when crafting policies.

Discrimination operates on multiple levels, 1. Individual discrimination means, Prejudice against an individual based on their race, gender, class, etc. 2. Institutional discrimination means, Prejudice embedded in the policies and structures of institutions, such as a policy that mandates, "LGBTQ+ individuals must be reported to the authorities" (as seen in Ghana). 3. Systemic discrimination means, Prejudice ingrained in societal norms that favor one group over another. Privileges and oppression impact people across various races, genders, and classes, yet policymakers often overlook this important concept when formulating policies.  INTERSECTIONALITY.

What is Intersectionality?

Intersectionality is a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989. She described it as a framework for understanding how different parts of a person's identity (such as race, gender, and social class) intersect to shape their experiences. Instead of examining each aspect separately, intersectionality considers how these elements combine to create unique advantages or disadvantages for individuals. This approach helps us recognize how overlapping identities can lead to distinct forms of discrimination or privilege.

For instance, a black woman from a low-income background may face workplace discrimination that a white woman might not experience. While the white woman encounters gender-based discrimination, the black woman is subjected to discrimination due to her gender, race, and class—a combination of factors.

Impact of Intersectionality on Opportunities and Oppression

A wealthy white man enjoys more opportunities and privileges compared to a black woman from a low-income background. Intersectionality plays a crucial role in understanding the disparities in social and economic opportunities. Policies that do not consider this combination of factors might intensify existing discrimination. For example, a gender initiative that primarily benefits white women might exclude black women.

The Importance of Intersectionality

Embracing intersectionality is key to creating policies that are diverse and equitable. For example, a policy designed with intersectionality in mind, such as one that targets both a disabled man and a disabled man from a marginalized community, will more effectively reach those who are most marginalized than policies that do not account for these intersections.

I believe that by acknowledging and embracing the intersections of identity, we can work towards a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their race, gender, class, or any other aspect of their identity.