Framing Intersectionality: Debates on a Multi-Faceted Concept in Gender Studies

by Helma Lutz (Editor), Linda Supik (Editor), María Teresa Herrera Vivar (Editor)

Originally conceived by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989 as a tool for the analysis of the ways in which different forms of social inequality, oppression and discrimination interact and overlap in multidimensional ways, the concept of 'intersectionality' has attracted much attention in international feminist debates over the last decade. Framing Intersectionality brings together proponents and critics of the concept, to discuss the 'state of the art' with those that have been influential in the debates that surround it. Engaging with the historical roots of intersectionality in the US-based 'race-class-gender' debate, this book also considers the European adoption of this concept in different national contexts, to explore issues such as migration, identity, media coverage of sexual violence against men and transnational livelihoods of high and low skilled migrants. Thematically arranged around the themes of the transatlantic migration of intersectionality, the development of intersectionality as a theory, men's studies and masculinities, and the body and embodiment, this book draws on empirical case studies as well as theoretical deliberations to investigate the capacity and the sustainability of the concept and shed light on the current state of intersectionality research. Presenting the latest work from a team of leading feminist scholars from the US and Europe, Framing Intersectionality will be of interest to all those with interests in gender, women's studies, masculinity, inequalities and feminist thought.

Genres: Social Justice

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2011

Reviews

[Max Pal · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with every anthology, some of the texts were more interesting than others, some being easily approachable, others diving deeper into theoretical discussions. I found that Framing Intersectionality is, overall, a pretty good academic collection for a rather large variety of approaches about intersectionality.

The anthology also has a few essays on intersectionality from a masculine perspective rather than feminine one, which is something I don’t see often in such conversations. The fact that race, class, sexuality, ability/disability, and age of a man also affect whether he is privileged or ostracised is highlighted, and sexual violence towards men (and how little it is reported) is also discussed in a chapter, which I greatly appreciate for being included.

The last four essays were quite heavy on the theoretical side, and I was slightly disappointed by the fact that transgender identities were not included at all in the discussion regarding gender, besides being mentioned in a sentence or two throughout the whole anthology. Considering the essays focused both on female and male privilege and oppression, I felt like there were definitely opportunities to include gender nonconforming people into the discussion.