Citation

Oleksy EH. Womens Stud. Int. Forum 2011; 34(4): 263-270.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.wsif.2011.02.002

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported in Vol 37 of Women's Studies International Forum (see record [rid]2013-09201-018[/rid]). During the publication of this paper, the title was published incorrectly. The updated title has been reproduced in the erratum.] Despite a multitude of voices, over the last three decades, announcing the advent of intersectionality, its practitioners cannot come to a common understanding as to whether it is a critical concept/theory, methodology, or social practice. In an attempt at answering these questions, I will outline the history of the concept, present its main theoretical directions, and think about its future, especially in the context of what is perceived as contemporary "generational and digital divide." At its most basic level, the concept of intersectionality is used to cover the interconnections between various social differentials, such as gender, race, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, and religion or belief. Intersectionality theories came in the wake of--or on the tomb of--multiculturalism, which recognizes diversification of cultures and criticizes the silencing of minority voices, the neglect of minorities' contributions to world culture, and the rejection of alternate visions--a process of excluding identities other than those of the majority. Multiculturalism typically looks at groups, rather than individuals, and explores group identity, rather than subjectivity. The thought underlying intersectionality has been a process and lived experience. It looks back to slavery before and after written records and to human trafficking--past and present. Anti-slavery movements, human and equal rights movements have been its trajectories. It also harks back to the questionings of multiculturalism as a theory and methodology. But its real success will be measured in how it will benefit the underprivileged. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)

Language: en