1. Intersectionality
Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Colour
I have engaged with Crenshaw’s work previously, but not this essay due to it’s content about domestic violence and sexual assault. This was a difficult one, but important. In particular, I found the examples of structural oppression and how using ‘norms’ to determine resource allocation negatively impacts minorities resonant. Below are some highlights:
“… intervention strategies based solely on the experiences of women who do not share the same class or race backgrounds will be of limited help to women who because of race and class face different obstacles.”
Part I: Structural intersectionality, A. Structural Intersectionality and Battering
“…racism as experienced by people of colour who are of a particular gender – male – tends to determine the parameters of antiracist strategies, just as sexism as experiences by women who are of a particular race – white – tends to ground the women’s movement.”
Part II: Political intersectionality
“… race and gender converge that the concerns of minority women fall into the void between concerns about women’s issues and concerns about racism.”
Part III: Representation Intersectionality
Privilege Walk
I’m quite familiar with the concept of a privilege walk, I have taken them many times in different institutions. This has had the benefit of highlighting that ones ‘privilege’ can wax and wane. When I did the walk as a child, I was able-bodied, straight and unaware of negative depictions of mixed-race or Asian people on TV. (Although, I was definitely aware from my peers.) As a teen: no diagnoses, living with an elderly relative, unsure of gender/sexuality. As a young adult: disabled, queer, no caring duties, in a heteronormative relationship. Now (and I mean Very Now): still disabled, resolutely single, and with a parent needing care after an operation this week. If I take the test again in a month it will be different again! It makes me think about the common sentiment that most people as they age will develop some kind of disability, so we should all be involved with disability activism. It also highlights the limitations of essentialism.
2. Persona Pedagogy
What are the benefits of PP for learning about and developing inclusive practices?
- Persona pedagogy helps participants to practice empathy and to broaden their world view
- Participants feel less pressure to disclose potentially stigmatising information (identity threat) when using persona profiles
- Scaffolded analysis of a lived experience
- Encourages critical reflection (reflection with action), problem solving, and application of cultural learning
- Personas can be co-designed by minority participants so that lived experiences are reflected but anonymised
What are its limitations or downsides?
- Facilitators must be experienced in delivering the sessions
- Requires a safe or neutral space – do those exist?
- Participants may fall back on stereotypes if the personas are not properly developed
- The ‘identity threat’ still remains, participants may feel they need to add their lived experience if similar to the personas as ‘evidence’ of their argument
3. Positionality Statements
A positionality statement or reflexive comment is a statement of a researcher’s worldview, acknowledging biases, values and experiences.
For example: I am a lecturer with many students from mainland China. I am half-Asian, I acknowledge there are both commonalities and differences in our experiences. For one, I was born in the UK and speak English as a first language. My understanding of Chinese culture is through a Western lens, whether I like it or not! To tackle this, I listen first and draw conclusions later (or never).
