journal article Apr 01, 2008

Intersectionality as buzzword

Feminist Theory Vol. 9 No. 1 pp. 67-85 · SAGE Publications
View at Publisher Save 10.1177/1464700108086364
Abstract
Since its inception, the concept of `intersectionality' — the interaction of multiple identities and experiences of exclusion and subordination — has been heralded as one of the most important contributions to feminist scholarship. Despite its popularity, there has been considerable confusion concerning what the concept actually means and how it can or should be applied in feminist inquiry. In this article, I look at the phenomenon of intersectionality's spectacular success within contemporary feminist scholarship, as well as the uncertainties and confusion which it has generated. Drawing upon insights from the sociology of science, I shall show how and why intersectionality could become a feminist success story. I shall argue that, paradoxically, it is precisely the concept's alleged weaknesses — its ambiguity and open-endedness — that were the secrets to its success and, more generally, make it a good feminist theory.
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Metrics
1,745
Citations
72
References
Details
Published
Apr 01, 2008
Vol/Issue
9(1)
Pages
67-85
License
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Cite This Article
Kathy Davis (2008). Intersectionality as buzzword. Feminist Theory, 9(1), 67-85. https://doi.org/10.1177/1464700108086364
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