Intersectionality is a concept that has become increasingly prominent in discussions surrounding social justice and activism, particularly within the framework of wokeness.
Coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989, intersectionality refers to the interconnected nature of social identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability, and how these intersecting axes of identity shape individuals' experiences of privilege and oppression.
Further, we will analyze the significance of intersectionality as
the core tenet of wokeness, examining its theoretical foundations, practical
applications, and transformative potential in advancing social justice.
At its essence, intersectionality challenges simplistic
understandings of oppression by recognizing that individuals occupy multiple
social positions simultaneously, each of which interacts with and compounds
upon the others to shape their lived experiences. For example, a Black woman
may face discrimination not only based on her race but also on her gender, with
these forms of oppression intersecting to create unique challenges and barriers
to equality. Intersectionality acknowledges the complexity of identity and
emphasizes the importance of considering the overlapping and intersecting
nature of privilege and marginalization.
Intersectionality serves as a foundational concept within the framework of wokeness, which seeks to raise awareness of systemic inequalities and promote social change. By centering intersectionality, wokeness acknowledges