Day 5: Intersectionality
Legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term “intersectionality” in 1989 to describe how systems of oppression overlap to create distinct experiences for people with multiple identity categories. Although intersectional theory and activism today are far-flung and embrace a wide variety of people, Crenshaw began with Black women, whose oppression couldn’t be encompassed exclusively with the terms “racism” or “sexism,” if they were framed as an either/or proposition.
main CHALLENGE
Check out Kimberle Crenshaw discuss intersectionality and what the impacts look like in the workplace (13 min): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSTf89pLcl0
Additional Challenge Options
Ten Tips for Putting Intersectionality into Practice https://www.opportunityagenda.org/explore/resources-publications/ten-tips-putting-intersectionality-practice
There is No Hierarchy of Oppression - Audre Lorde (3 min video)
Self-Reflection Questions
What are you taking away from today's challenge?
How does intersectionality impact you in your life?