Challenging the Inclusion of Intersectionality in the Academy
Introduction
With this paper, I will explore the inclusion of intersectionality in the academy. To do so, I will provide a genealogical analysis of the ways in which intersectionality has been taken up and implemented by the neo-liberal academy and feminist scholars. The purpose of this paper, then, is to trace the history of intersectionality in relation to the academy in order to consider a future that is beyond inclusion. My analysis will start with the initial connection between intersectional ideas and academic scholarship. In this section, I will outline the somewhat tumultuous understanding of the origin of intersectionality in academia. Next, I will explain how intersectionality …show more content…
As Crenshaw mentions, to categorize and to name is an exercise of power (Crenshaw, 1991, 1297). It is not my intent to suggest it is inherently wrong to acknowledge Crenshaw’s contribution to intersectionality, or in fact, her coining of the phrase. Nor am I suggested that Crenshaw’s work on intersectionality is not valuable and significant. Rather, what I seek to trouble is the social and material consequences of the categorization process (Crenshaw, 1991, 1297). Put another way, I wish to question the focus by both academia and academics on an interpretation of Crenshaw’s work alone. Further, these consequences are most prominent when considered in relation to academia and …show more content…
That is, the works both pre and post the naming of intersectionality have been taken over by the neo-liberal academy in a manner that restricts and minimizes the generative possibilities. I believe that if we accept the depoliticized and commodified version of intersectionality as its authentic nature, we are limiting our ability as scholars to make meaningful let alone radical changes to the systems of inequality in our society. The relationship between intersectional ideas and the ways that they have been taken up by the academy show intentional and purposeful actions of the institution to obfuscate the ambitions of intersectionality. Seemingly, this has been done as a means to avoid addressing racial inequalities. In its current conception, intersectionality has been stripped of its transformative
Introduction
With this paper, I will explore the inclusion of intersectionality in the academy. To do so, I will provide a genealogical analysis of the ways in which intersectionality has been taken up and implemented by the neo-liberal academy and feminist scholars. The purpose of this paper, then, is to trace the history of intersectionality in relation to the academy in order to consider a future that is beyond inclusion. My analysis will start with the initial connection between intersectional ideas and academic scholarship. In this section, I will outline the somewhat tumultuous understanding of the origin of intersectionality in academia. Next, I will explain how intersectionality …show more content…
As Crenshaw mentions, to categorize and to name is an exercise of power (Crenshaw, 1991, 1297). It is not my intent to suggest it is inherently wrong to acknowledge Crenshaw’s contribution to intersectionality, or in fact, her coining of the phrase. Nor am I suggested that Crenshaw’s work on intersectionality is not valuable and significant. Rather, what I seek to trouble is the social and material consequences of the categorization process (Crenshaw, 1991, 1297). Put another way, I wish to question the focus by both academia and academics on an interpretation of Crenshaw’s work alone. Further, these consequences are most prominent when considered in relation to academia and …show more content…
That is, the works both pre and post the naming of intersectionality have been taken over by the neo-liberal academy in a manner that restricts and minimizes the generative possibilities. I believe that if we accept the depoliticized and commodified version of intersectionality as its authentic nature, we are limiting our ability as scholars to make meaningful let alone radical changes to the systems of inequality in our society. The relationship between intersectional ideas and the ways that they have been taken up by the academy show intentional and purposeful actions of the institution to obfuscate the ambitions of intersectionality. Seemingly, this has been done as a means to avoid addressing racial inequalities. In its current conception, intersectionality has been stripped of its transformative