31 Aug Social inequality
Intersectionality Project
The past few weeks we have been learning about some ascribed statuses that lead to social position within society (class, race, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexual orientation). As you read, these social statuses are intrinsically related to power and potentially inequality within any society. However, as you know from previous chapters, no one individual holds one status at a time, we have a status set. With this knowledge in mind, black feminist scholar coined the term “intersectionality” in a 1989 paper. For this project, we are going to learn more about this term and then use it to better understand a specific experience of intersectional inequality in an either modern or historical period.
Step one: read about intersectionality (I also have PDF’s of these below in case the URL does not work)
Basic dictionary definition
A bit on the history
A bit of the current use and issues
Step Two: Research an intersectional area of inequality (could be historical or modern)
After better understanding this term, you need to do a little basic research to find an example of inequality where you need to apply the theory of intersectionality to better understand it. One obvious example is “black women” or “Hispanic Women”. However, any status that places an individual in an inferior position in society can lead to inequality. So this could also be a disabled individual living in poverty.
Identify a factual example of a group or category of individuals who have struggled with inequality or are currently struggling. Explain why we need to use the lens of intersectionality to better understand this group or category and their lived experiences of inequality.
This research can be current or historical; it can be within the United States or somewhere else around the globe.
Step Three: Write up your findings and new knowledge
The overall paper needs to be
- at least 3 pages
- double spaced
- APA format
- You also need to include at least 3 reputable sources in your works cited page.
