Special Topics in Political Science (490-0-25)

Topic

Intersectionality and Policy

Instructors

Tabitha Bonilla

Meeting Info

Annenberg Hall 345: Tues 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

As understanding of identity and bias increased, Kimberlé Crenshaw developed the theory of intersectionality which challenges us to consider various components of identities as having the potential to create overlapping and intersecting experiences. When an individual holds multiple identities that have traditionally been marginalized, any discrimination experienced will be different than someone without that unique blend of identities. To use Crenshaw's initial example in 1989, Black women experience the intersection of both racism and sexism that meant their discrimination differed from the racism experienced by Black men and the sexism experienced by White women. Thirty years later, researchers still are coming to terms with what this means in the public sphere, but also in research which underlines the importance of thinking about identity more comprehensively and completely. In this class, we will begin by addressing the question of what intersectionality is. We will also consider how considering identity as intersectional alters our understanding of policy, and what policy should address. Importantly, we will consider how to incorporate intersectionality into a basic framework of research and analysis through a term-long project. This class will meet once a week for two hours, with a virtual lab session (T 11-11:50) that incorporates guest speakers who are experts on intersectionality from across the country.

Registration Requirements

Graduates Only

Teaching Method

Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Graduate Students.