Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Matrix Of Domination

The matrix of domination refers to the configuration of race, class and gender relations in society that together intertwine and establish a system of domination. It states that no one characteristics can be fully understood without taking into account the other characteristics. An example of this is that while males are the "dominant" gender, a black male will have more disadvantages than a white male. It is vital to take into account race, class and gender in order to come up with a system that stratifies domination in society.

Heterosexism is the social construction of behaviors and beliefs that heterosexuality is the only acceptable form of sexual expression. Institutions with a heterosexism view, negatively sanction those who act or think otherwise. This social structure creates privileges for those who believe in heterosexuality and denies those privileges to homosexual relationships, which often leas to homophobia. An example of heterosexism can be found in …show more content…
The first is identification theory based on a psychoanalytic perspective, which states that children learn by identifying with the same sex parent. Next, the social learning theory is categorized by the unconscious social learning in response to the environment and it occurs through positive and negative reinforcements. The third theory is the cognitive-developmental theory that suggests that children accommodate and assimilates new information to change the already developed mental categories that are created through interaction with society. The final theoretical framework used to describe gender roles is the symbolic interaction theory that is categorized by how people act toward things based on the meaning of those things. It gives credit to symbols and individuals ability to act upon symbols. This gives notion to gender and how society and individuals are constantly re-creating gender meanings and gendered social