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Intersectionality: Global, Racial and Gendered Inequities

Watch, read, and summarize the following videos and informational pages in at least 3-4 sentences. After completing your summaries, review my short note and then answer the following questions below:

First, read the Department of Justice’s Informational pages on

https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-ceos/child-sex-trafficking

https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-ceos/extraterritorial-sexual-exploitation-children

 

These materials were picked to help you think about how race, class, gender, and age intersect to affect the lives of people in complex and different ways, where their lives must navigate the intersections of various social inequities (racism, classism, agism, sexism, colonialism, globalization). This is what we call, intersectionality, in sociology.

These materials highlights how important the concept intersectionality is to help us see how women/girls of color (who are disproportionally economically disenfranchised within their societies and within colonial systems) navigate intersecting systems of oppression that complexly affect their lives, unlike, for example, White women in the US (remember: as we’ve learned, white women are significantly more likely to experience wealth, class, and racial privileges, despite still experiencing sexism). Intersectionality also helps us to see how women/girls of color, through their voices, their experiences, their culture, music, art, fashion, etc., also usher in systemic change that all women/girls benefit from (all of society, really).

 

Using intersectionality as a lens answer the following questions:

Provide an example of intersectionality from one of the videos above–thoroughly unpack in detail what is taking place and most importantly, why. Who benefits from the systems leading to these realities?
Provide a unique example where intersectionality (remember, use it as a lens to look at society, like a biologist looking through a microscope) helps you to see social problems where they intersect (something outside of class and/or from previous lessons this quarter).

 

Sample Solution

  • Department of Justice Pages:
    • Child Sex Trafficking: This page defines child sex trafficking and highlights the vulnerability of children, particularly runaways and those in foster care.
    • Extraterritorial Sexual Exploitation of Children: This page focuses on the issue of US citizens traveling abroad to engage in child sexual abuse. It emphasizes the international cooperation needed to address this crime.
  • Video 1 (25RSLxVCgnc): (Unable to identify specific content without viewing)
  • Video 2 (RTi0ebKXrZM): (Unable to identify specific content without viewing)

Note on Intersectionality:

The note explains how intersectionality can be used to understand how race, class, gender, and other social factors combine to create unique experiences of oppression for marginalized groups, particularly girls and women of color. It highlights the importance of considering these intersecting factors when analyzing social issues.

Intersectionality Examples:

1. (Example Based on Department of Justice Pages):

  • Intersection of Race, Class, and Gender in Child Sex Trafficking: Children from low-income families and communities of color are disproportionately at risk of child sex trafficking. Poverty can limit access to education and opportunities, making children more vulnerable to exploitation. Additionally, racial bias within child welfare systems can leave children of color in foster care more susceptible to trafficking. This example highlights how race, class, and gender intersect to create a situation where certain children are more likely to be targeted by traffickers.

2. Unique Example of Intersectionality:

  • Environmental Racism and Gender: Women, particularly women of color, are often disproportionately affected by environmental pollution. This can have a negative impact on their health and well-being, as well as the health of their children. For example, communities of color may be located near industrial waste sites or power plants, exposing them to higher levels of toxins. Additionally, women are often primarily responsible for household duties like childcare and food preparation, increasing their exposure to environmental contaminants within the home. This example demonstrates how race, gender, and class intersect with environmental issues, creating unequal burdens on marginalized communities.

Who Benefits?

The systems that perpetuate these social inequalities often benefit those in power, including:

  • Wealthy individuals and corporations who profit from exploiting cheap labor or lax environmental regulations.
  • Individuals who purchase children or engage in child sexual abuse.
  • Government agencies or institutions with implicit biases that disadvantage marginalized groups.

By understanding intersectionality, we can work towards dismantling these systems and creating a more just and equitable society for all.

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