The concept of intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989 that is frequently discussed in women’s and gender studies, offers a lens through which we can examine and understand the multifaceted experiences of individuals at the crossroads of various social identities. This framework is particularly relevant in the realm of applied social psychology, especially when considering the core values of community psychology. Among these values, respect for diversity stands out, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging and valuing the differences among individuals, their worldviews, and social arrangements (Gruman et al., 2016, pp. 334).
Applying this intersectional lens within community psychology, we can better appreciate how gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability status, and social class simultaneously influence an individual’s experiences. This approach not only enriches our understanding about the complexities of identity; it also underscores the importance of recognizing the diverse ways people experience power, privilege, and oppression. For example, the work of organizations like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), highlighted in this week’s chapter, illustrates the practical application of intersectionality within community psychology. By addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth from various racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, the HRC’s initiatives exemplify how intersecting identities necessitate informed approaches to support and advocacy (Gruman et al., 2016, pp. 322). Currently, HRC is impacting communities in a variety of ways: mobilizing voters, educating the public about LGBTQ+ issues, advancing policies and litigation that are pro-equality, and fighting for basic freedoms and rights denied to LGBTQ+ citizens in 28 U.S. states (Human Rights Campaign, 2024).
Community psychology’s commitment to social justice is inherently connected to valuing diversity and intersectionality. Recognizing that we do not all begin on a “level playing field” serves as the initial step in identifying and addressing the disparities stemming from historical discrimination and the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities. However, in the spirit of Crenshaw’s foundational work, it’s crucial to recognize that people’s identities and experiences cannot be neatly separated into individual categories (Crenshaw, 1989). Instead, our identities intersect in ways that profoundly affect our lives, shaping our access to resources, our experiences with discrimination, and our interactions with societal structures of power. By embracing an intersectional approach, community psychology not only furthers its own goals of fostering inclusivity and equity but also contributes to a broader societal shift towards greater recognition and validation of diverse experiences and identities. The integration of intersectionality into community psychology offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities of human identity and experience. It challenges us to consider the myriad ways in which societal structures and categories intersect, influencing individuals’ lives and well-being.
-Laura Gamble
References
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory, and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989 (1), Article 8. http://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/uclf/vol1989/iss1/8
Gruman, J. A., et al. (Eds.). (2016). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. SAGE Publications, Incorporated. ProQuest Ebook Central.
Human Rights Campaign. (2024). Human Rights Campaign: Our Work. Retrieved from https://www.hrc.org/our-work.
