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The truth of multiple oppressions: Why one identity cannot explain all experiences of discrimination.
In this diverse society, the oppression people face is often multiple, making a single identity approach insufficient to explain each person's unique experience of discrimination. Intersectionality theory provides a structural framework to help us understand how social identities intersect and influence individuals' social experiences. This theory was proposed by black feminist scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989 and has since become an important tool for eliminating social and political inequality.
Multiple oppression theory emphasizes that different social and political identities (such as gender, race, class, etc.) do not exist independently, but are intertwined to form unique experiences of oppression.
Crenshaw's work points out that the simplistic binary of racism and sexism is flawed. Take black women as an example. They suffer from two or more oppressions at the same time, which needs to be understood from a more comprehensive perspective. For example, when discussing domestic violence or sexual assault, the experiences of black women may not be fully presented in mainstream discourse and may instead be marginalized.
In addition, the historical neglect of multiple identities has left many women feeling isolated in their fight for their rights. White feminism often focuses on its own needs, leaving the voices of women of color invisible. As early as the 19th century, Sojourner Truth expressed this in her famous speech, “Am I Not a Woman?” ” highlighted the unique challenges faced by black women.
"Different oppressions are intertwined, and ignoring any one would lead to an incomplete explanation."
This view was re-emphasized in the black feminist movement in the second half of the 20th century. Scholars such as bell hooks and Audre Lorde have furthered understandings of multiple identities through discussions of gender, race, and class. Hawkes argues that a single gender perspective cannot capture the full range of women's experiences, while Lord emphasizes the interactive relationships that exist between multiple identities.
Scholars such as Patricia Hill Collins have extended these considerations to the analysis of social structure. Collins points out that race, gender and class, as intertwined social systems, profoundly affect the lives of every woman. This leaves some women in a situation where they are unable to speak out or are underestimated when facing societal oppression.
“The experiences of women of color are often not fully understood in mainstream discourse, which makes them more vulnerable to marginalization.”
With the deepening of research, many scholars began to explore how to apply this theory to social practice. For example, recent research suggests that applying a multiple oppression framework can more effectively uncover the sources of social inequality and promote social change. Such research is not limited to academia, but also extends to the level of social movements and policy making.
However, the concept of multiple oppressions also faces criticism. Some argue that this framework can reduce individuals to a combination of multiple demographic characteristics, ignoring the uniqueness of each person. Critics have also pointed out that the theory often lacks clear objectives, is prone to confusion and contradictions, and makes it difficult to identify common sources of oppression.
Nevertheless, the emergence of multiple oppression theory still provides a new perspective for the social justice movement. It highlights that the interplay between different identities makes certain groups face greater challenges, and that understanding these challenges is critical to developing effective solutions. Especially in today's society, the intersection of various identities still affects people's daily lives and the various inequalities they face.
Against this backdrop, discussions on multiple oppressions are not just the preserve of academia; they make us rethink the relationship between individuals and society and challenge traditional ways of understanding discrimination. On the road to liberation and equality, how can we build a more inclusive society?
