Diversity and
Intersectionality
Dr. Nashia Ajaz
Learning Objectives
1. Understand the concepts of diversity and intersectionality.
2. Explore how intersecting identities shape experiences of privilege and
oppression.
3. Analyze key examples of intersectionality in gender studies.
What is Diversity?
• Diversity refers to the range of human differences, including but not
limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, social class,
physical ability, and religion.
• Importance: A diverse society brings multiple perspectives and
experiences.
Types of Diversity
• Cultural Diversity: Race, ethnicity, religion.
• Gender Diversity: Gender identity and expression.
• Sexual Diversity: Different sexual orientations.
• Socioeconomic Diversity: Class, income, education.
• Disability and Ability: Physical and mental abilities.
• Generational Diversity: Age differences.
What is
Intersectionality?
• Intersectionality is a framework for
understanding how aspects of a person's
social and political identities combine to
create different modes of discrimination
and privilege.
• Origin: Introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw
in 1989.
Key Aspects of Intersectionality
• Interlocking Systems of Power: Gender, race, class, and other categories
intersect and shape individual experiences.
• Oppression and Privilege: Individuals may experience multiple forms of
oppression (e.g., sexism, racism) or privilege depending on their identity.
Intersectionality in Gender Studies
• Historical Context: Emerged from Black feminist thought, challenging
mainstream feminism’s focus on the experiences of white, middle-class
women.
• Critique of Single-Axis Frameworks: Early feminist movements often
ignored the overlapping oppressions faced by women of color, LGBTQ+
individuals, and others.
Case Study:
Black
Feminism
• How Black women
experience both racism
and sexism in different but
connected ways.
• Important Figures: Bell
Hooks, Audre Lorde,
Kimberlé Crenshaw.
Real-World
Examples of
Intersectionality
• LGBTQIA+ Women of Color:
Facing marginalization based
on sexual orientation, gender
identity, and race.
• Working-Class Women:
Navigating economic
challenges alongside gender
discrimination.
• Disabled Women: Encountering
issues related to both gender
and disability.
Privilege and Oppression
• Privilege: Advantages or rights available to certain groups but not others
(e.g., white privilege, male privilege).
• Oppression: Systemic disadvantages or discrimination faced by
marginalized groups.
Discussion: Intersectionality in Daily Life
• How do intersecting identities affect everyday experiences?
• Can you think of a time when multiple aspects of your identity
affected how you were treated or understood?
• How can understanding intersectionality help us create a more
inclusive society?
Challenges and Criticisms of
Intersectionality
• Criticisms: Intersectionality has been critiqued for being too broad or
complex to implement effectively in policy or activism.
• Challenges: Addressing all forms of oppression within movements can
dilute focus, but ignoring intersectionality risks alienating marginalized
groups.
Applying
Intersectionality in
Social Movements
• Feminist Movements: Incorporating race, class,
and other identities in gender justice work.
• Examples: Black Lives Matter, MeToo
Movement.
Intersectionality in Policy Making
• Importance of an intersectional approach in creating inclusive policies.
• Example: Gender-based violence policies that also consider race,
socioeconomic status, and ability.
Conclusion
• Intersectionality is crucial for understanding the complexity of human
experiences.
• Diversity must be appreciated in all its forms, and an intersectional lens
helps us see the overlapping systems of privilege and oppression.
What’s Next?
• Reflection 2 due on 25th September
• Research Paper Analysis Assignment due on 26th September
