Discussion Post: Intersectionality
In this course we have examined many different social identities, as well as the ways in which these identities are tied to social inequalities. However, individuals have multiple identities, and oftentimes more than one of their identities are connected to social inequalities. Sociologists account for this by examining identities within an intersectional framework. The theory of intersectionality states that we must look at the relationships among multiple dimensions of social identities in order to understand the lived experiences of discrimination and inequality. For example, the theory of intersectionality would state that an African American woman would not experience sexism in the same way that a white woman would, and would not experience racism in the same way that an African American male would. Rather, the intersecting identities of female and African American create a unique identity, and thus a unique experience.
For this discussion, watch the short YouTube video "Intersectionality | Social Inequality | MCAT | Khan Academy" for a comprehensive discussion of intersectionality, and read the article "Gender and Race: How Overlapping Stereotypes Affect Interracial Dating, Leadership Selection, and Athletic Participation" that explores several real-world consequences that can arise when racial and gender stereotypes overlap. Finally, watch this YouTube short video "Racial Stereotyping: You see a black guy, white guy, pretty girl committing a crime. What you do?" clip of the TV show What Would You Do.
Use these resources to address the following:
1) In your own words, describe the theory of intersectionality and why it is important to understanding the multiple social identities of an individual.
2) Describe an example from your own life where you have experienced overlapping identities and ensuing inequalities. If you haven't experienced this, explore why you may not have.
3) In the clip from What Would You Do, how did the reactions of people to the "bike thief" differ by his/her race/gender? In particular, in what ways do society's stereotypes of young men differ by race?
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.