Introduction
A theory is a group of principles on which a particular practice of an activity is pegged on. It is also an idea used to justify a particular course of action. Theories have been developed by different scholars to try to address various issues and phenomena and how they happen in the world. Feminism is used to explain a political, economic, or cultural movement mainly for establishing rights and protection for women in the society while intersectionality is an essential framework that offers individuals the notion and language for evaluating interconnections and interdependencies between systems and social groups. The paper seeks to explore feminism and intersectionality theories while identifying their origin, what they do, their major concepts, and differences.
Origin of the Theories
The history of feminism is divided into three waves where the first one was in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the second wave ranges between the 1960s and 1970s, and the third one 1990 to the present (Ahmed, 2007). It came into existence in 1895 where it sought to campaign for women's rights that would make them enjoy equal rights just like their male counterparts (Ahmed, 2007). Arguably, the feminism theory emerged from the feminist movements that existed since the 19th century. On the other hand, intersectionality originated from the United States of America where minority women experienced a lot of racism in society (Ahmed, 2007). The theory was initiated in the 1970s and 1980s by Latina and black feminist movements to address the issue of the artificial separation of gender and ethnicity in the lives of women (Ahmed, 2007). Intersectionality does not necessarily be discrimination against women's gender but all groups depending on their race, religion, sex, class, disability height, and physical appearance amongst other differentiating factors. The main aim of the intersectionality theory is to solve the problems that arise from gender discrimination based on race where white women were treated better than black American women. It would later deal with other discrimination issues that arise from physical appearance, class, and religion (Ward & Mann, 2012). Men could also be subjected to gender discrimination due to their race. The theory would address the multiple oppression meted on black American women by the white American women and their authorities. The rationale for developing the feminism theory was to campaign for the establishment of equal rights as well as legal protection for women in society regardless of race. The theory would help women to have equal economic, social and political rights just like men.
Major Conceptions and their Differences
Both theories depict similar concepts that can be understood after exploring them. For instance, gender difference is a concept that can be discussed in either of the theories but different views.
Gender Differences
In feminism theory, the concept of gender differences shows that men are better placed in society than females. The theory argues that females should have equal rights and protection just like their male counterparts. Scholars of the theory assert that women experience the world differently compared to men because of culture which makes men rule the society while making women the subject. Theorists of feminism opine that different roles assigned to men and women within institutions in society better demonstrate gender differences (Sears, 2005). They also argue that women have been secluded and marginalized since most societies are patriarchal.
In intersectionality theory, the gender difference is handled differently because gender discrimination is shaped by other factors such as socio-economic class and race. For example, women can discriminate against each other depending on race and economic status where you find that those women in low economic status are not allowed to take part in leadership roles. Also, women of a certain race might dominate in a particular community or group thus depriving the minority group advantage to participate in some activities (Hiranandani, 2005). Many women in developed countries have experienced marginalization and oppression due to their race.
Gender Inequality
Feminism theory holds that gender inequality has made women experience social discrimination in society. Liberal feminists assert that women possess the same capacity as men for moral reasoning but the idea that men should rule the society has denied women the chance to demonstrate the practice of goof reasoning (Ward & Mann, 2012). Sexist division of labor is brought by gender inequality since society views that there is specific work meant for women and men. Feminism theory argues that women have been denied full participation in public life since they are regarded as household workers who should take care of the family and children.
Intersectionality theory opines that gender inequality does not act independently but must depend on other factors. For instance, there is gender inequality brought by race especially when women find themselves in western countries (Aylward, 1999). Racial color has led to the marginalization of women since they are viewed as strangers. Women experience racism because of their gender since they are viewed differently from other women in society. Gender discrimination against women is arguably encouraged by race where the white American women might turn against the black American ones. It could also be orchestrated during the conflict where rape can be used as a weapon on immigrants. Gender inequality catalyzed by race might see many black women being raped in front of white American women.
Gender Oppression
Feminism theory opines that women can be subjected to oppression and torture due to their sex. Women are more prone to oppression than their male counterparts because they are viewed as lesser human beings in society. The theory claims that women should be protected from gender by initiating programs that would sensitize people on the need to view women as human beings who require absolute protection just like any other person in society. Feminist theorists assert that women can defeat the patriarchy if they realize their strength and value to start a sisterhood of fidelity with other women (Mullaly, 2002). Women have been subjected to oppression by men for a long time since they are supported by the cultural norms of society. They can confront the oppression by forming a women movement that would help them air their grievances. Intersectionality theory helps women to understand the common problem of gender oppression they face and device means to end the erroneous acts. Through the theory, they will understand the gender oppression they face in society and establish programs that will enable them to counter them.
Conclusion
The feminism and intersectionality theories are very essential to women because they help them to address the challenges they face in life. Feminism has increased the number of women in leadership positions in the modern world because it has provided ideas on how to conquer men's dominance in society. The three concepts discussed above are important in delivering the women from the customs of the society that deny them the opportunity to participate in public life.
